New rules will be implemented across Spain starting on December 2, which will require tourists to provide 31 new pieces of personal information when checking into hotels or accommodations. This includes details such as home addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and information about their relationship to any children travelling with them. The Spanish government has introduced these rules in an effort to combat organised crime. However, the country’s leading hotel association, CEHAT, has criticized the new requirements, calling them “Big Brother” and warning that they will lead to delays during busy check-in times. They also argue that many hotels do not have the necessary technology to comply with the rules and ensure data protection.
These new rules have already faced delays since they were originally supposed to be implemented in January 2023. Hotels that do not comply could face fines of up to €30,000. The Interior Ministry has justified the rules by stating that they are necessary for the security of citizens against threats such as terrorism and serious crimes committed by criminal organizations. However, tourists have expressed frustration and disappointment with the additional requirements, with some saying that Spain is now off their holiday list. Others are considering alternative destinations that do not have such stringent regulations in place.
In addition to the new rules for providing personal information, tourists entering Spain are also required to show evidence of sufficient funds for their stay, at least €100 per day. The country has other strict rules in place, such as smoking bans on certain beaches and restrictions on wearing football shirts in some restaurants. Tourists are advised to ensure that their passport has at least three months validity remaining from the date of departure, and that they may need to show hotel bookings and proof of funds at the border. Spain is one hour ahead of the UK and uses the euro as its currency.
It is unclear how these new rules will impact tourism in Spain, as many tourists may find the additional requirements burdensome and opt for destinations with less stringent regulations. However, the Spanish government has maintained that the rules are necessary for security reasons, particularly in light of the threats posed by terrorism and organised crime. CEHAT’s concerns about data protection and potential delays during check-in times also pose challenges for hotels and accommodations that may not have the technology or resources to comply with the new requirements. It remains to be seen how these rules will be enforced and their impact on the tourism industry in Spain.
