In a move aimed at bolstering national security, Spain has implemented stringent new regulations requiring tourists to provide extensive personal information upon check-in at accommodations. Effective December 2, 2024, these measures have ignited significant controversy among travelers and industry professionals alike.
Under the new mandate, visitors aged 14 and above must furnish details including their full name, nationality, passport or ID number, date of birth, gender, home address, email, phone number, and payment information.
This data is collected by hotels, vacation rentals, and campsites, and subsequently transmitted to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior. The regulations also extend to car rental services, which are now obligated to share customer data with authorities.
The Spanish government asserts that these measures are essential for combating organized crime and terrorism. However, the Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT) has criticized the regulations, arguing they infringe on privacy rights and complicate the guest experience.
CEHAT’s Secretary General, Ramón Estalella, expressed concerns that the rules could “violate fundamental privacy rights” and “hinder the experience of millions of visitors who choose Spain as a destination.”
The rollout of the new system has been fraught with issues. Just as the regulations took effect, the online platform designated for data submission crashed, leaving accommodation providers unable to comply and causing frustration among both businesses and travelers.
Travelers have expressed their dissatisfaction, with some vowing to boycott Spain due to the perceived invasion of privacy and added bureaucratic hurdles. The requirement to provide information has led to concerns about data security and the potential for misuse.
Non-compliance with the new regulations carries hefty penalties, with fines reaching up to €30,000. This has placed additional pressure on accommodation providers to adhere strictly to the rules, despite the technical challenges and pushback from guests.
As Spain navigates the balance between national security and tourism appeal, the effectiveness and acceptance of these measures remain under scrutiny. Both industry stakeholders and travelers are closely monitoring the situation, assessing the impact on Spain’s reputation as a premier travel destination.
