Starting December 2, Spain will implement new regulations requiring tourists to provide detailed personal information when booking accommodation or renting vehicles. The measures, introduced under Royal Decree 933/2021, aim to enhance national security and combat threats such as terrorism and organized crime.
Guests checking into accommodations must now provide extensive details, including name, nationality, passport number, date of birth, home address, phone numbers, email, group size, relationships among travelers, and information on children under 14. Car renters will also need to supply driving license details, payment information, and GPS data.
These requirements apply to both international tourists and Spanish residents. Businesses must register with the Ministry of the Interior and report data daily or face fines ranging from €100 to €30,000.
The Confederation of Spanish Hoteliers and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT) has expressed concern over the impact on businesses, potentially pursuing legal action.
Spain’s move follows similar trends in the UK, with its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), and Japan’s planned system, reflecting a global shift toward stricter tourism security measures.
Spain remains a top destination, with over 85 million visitors in 2023, including Australians who can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
