Tourists heading to Spain this winter will encounter new regulations starting Monday, December 2. The Spanish government has introduced stricter security measures requiring visitors to provide additional personal information when checking into accommodations or renting cars.
Why the New Rules Were Introduced
Spain’s Secretaría de Estado de Seguridad introduced these measures to enhance public safety by tracking potential threats. Authorities are concerned about “terrorist threats and other very serious crimes committed by criminal organisations” with transnational links. The new system will allow officials to cross-check tourists’ information against databases of “persons of interest.”
Previously, only basic information was required at check-ins. The updated law now applies to all forms of accommodation, including private rentals through platforms like Airbnb. Government officials argue that these measures are essential “to ensure the safety of citizens.”
What Information Is Required?
All tourists aged 14 and above must now provide:
- Full name
- Gender
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Home address
- Landline (if available) and mobile phone numbers
- Email address
For travellers under 14, accompanying adults must declare their relationship to the children.
Check-In and Car Rentals: A Slower Process
Tourists may need to fill out forms manually at some accommodations, potentially leading to longer check-in times. Hotel staff may also enter details from passports into their systems, which could vary in efficiency.
For bookings made through platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb, privacy laws may complicate data sharing, which could slow down the process. Car rental services will also require the same personal information from each driver.
Banking and Payment Details
Contrary to some reports, tourists will not need to disclose their bank balances. However, payment information, such as credit or debit card details, will be recorded. For those paying by bank transfer, the account number and location—but not the balance—will be shared by the accommodation provider.
Penalties and Compliance
Tourists will not face penalties for incorrect data submission. Responsibility for compliance lies with the accommodation providers, who may be fined for negligence. However, cooperating with the data collection process may be a condition for check-in.
Data Privacy and Security Concerns
Personal data will be stored for three years. While concerns about data breaches exist, most accommodation providers are expected to outsource data management to specialised companies, which could reduce risks.
Brexit’s Impact on British Travelers
Although these new rules apply to all tourists, British citizens face additional requirements due to Brexit. As “third-country nationals,” UK travellers must prove access to at least £850 for a nine-day stay. A family of four on a two-week trip would need to show over £5,000. However, there have been no reports of British tourists being asked to provide such proof since the rules were implemented.
Airline Disputes and Travel Considerations
Tourists should also be aware of ongoing disputes between Spain’s consumer rights ministry and budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet. Airlines have been fined for charges related to cabin baggage, family seating, and boarding passes, which the ministry considers unfair. Both Ryanair and easyJet plan to challenge these fines.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
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