Spain Hotel Check-In Delays Expected as New Data Rules Begin
Travelers to Spain may face delays and added paperwork starting Monday due to the implementation of Royal Decree 933/2021. The new law mandates hotels, car hire companies, rental properties, and campsites to collect and submit detailed customer information to the Spanish government daily.
This move, aimed at bolstering national security against terrorism and organized crime, has raised privacy concerns among experts and the hospitality industry.
What Are the New Requirements?
Under the new rules, businesses must collect the following information for all customers aged 14 and above:
- Passport details
- Home address
- Payment methods
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Number of travelers
Hotels and rental providers must submit this data daily to the Ministry of the Interior and maintain digital records for three years. Non-compliance could result in fines ranging from €100 to €30,000 (£80–£25,000).
These changes also apply to Spanish citizens staying at accommodations, not just international tourists.
Industry Concerns and Reactions
The Confederation of Spanish Hoteliers and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT) expressed alarm over the potential impact of these regulations, calling them “confusing and disproportionate.” They warned that the new procedures could disrupt the hospitality industry by creating administrative burdens and compromising customer experiences.
CEHAT is also exploring legal action, citing conflicts with European data protection and payment regulations.
How Will This Impact Travelers?
Tourism experts predict check-in delays at hotels and rental desks due to the additional paperwork. While businesses are likely to automate some processes, the initial implementation phase may cause logistical challenges.
Travel journalist Simon Calder noted that the low season provides an opportunity for businesses to adapt to the new system before peak travel periods.
Meanwhile, Penelope Bielckus, a travel content creator, remarked that while much of the required data is already collected by accommodations, the rules add “another layer of paperwork.” She emphasized concerns about how this might impact last-minute bookings and the overall holiday experience.
Why Is This Happening?
The Spanish government justifies the regulations as necessary for national security. A Ministry of the Interior statement explained that the measures aim to safeguard citizens from terrorism and organized crime by tracking visitor movements and transactions.
Spain’s Tourism Industry at a Glance
Spain remains Europe’s second-most popular travel destination, welcoming over 82 million visitors in 2023, including 17 million from the UK alone. Despite its popularity, these new rules might test the patience of travelers and industry players alike.
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