As of December 2, 2024, a new Spanish law mandates that tourists staying in hotels, Airbnbs, campsites, or renting vehicles must provide extensive personal information. While the Spanish government emphasizes that the measure is aimed at enhancing national security, travellers have raised concerns about potential privacy implications.
Information Required from Tourists
The law applies to all tourists aged 14 and above and involves filling out detailed questionnaires during hotel check-ins or car rentals. These forms will require the following information:
- Personal Details: Full name, gender, date of birth, and nationality.
- Identification: Passport or ID card details, as well as address and country of residence.
- Contact Information: Phone number and email address.
- Payment Data: Card type, number, and expiration date.
For families travelling with children under 14, additional information regarding the relationship between the child and the accompanying adult must also be provided.
How the Data Will Be Submitted
All the required data must be submitted through an online application managed by Spain’s Ministry of the Interior. The law is applicable across mainland Spain as well as its popular islands, including the Balearic and Canary Islands.
Privacy Concerns
While the government insists that the new rules are designed to bolster national security, many travellers have expressed concerns about the extent of data collection and the potential risks to their privacy. With hotel forms containing up to 40 questions and car rental agencies requiring answers to over 60, the regulations have sparked significant debate among tourists and industry professionals alike.
This development underscores the growing global trend of stricter travel regulations, with privacy and security considerations remaining at the forefront of public discourse.