Spain’s New Check-In Requirements: What Travelers Should Prepare For

Starting 2 Dec 2024, travelers heading to Spain will encounter new rules requiring them to share detailed personal information when checking into accommodations or renting cars. The law, aimed at bolstering security, mandates providers collect specific data from all guests aged 14 and older.

What We Know So Far About Spain’s New Check-In Requirements

Tourists must now provide:

• Full name

• Gender

• Nationality

• Passport number

• Date of birth

• Home address

• Landline and mobile phone numbers

• Email address

For travelers under 14, adults accompanying them must confirm their relationship to the child.

Spain’s State Secretariat for Security says the measures are necessary to combat threats such as terrorism and organized crime, particularly from transnational actors. The law extends existing data collection practices, previously limited to hotels, to include vacation rentals like Airbnb.

Authorities argue the changes are vital to ensuring public safety and plan to cross-reference the data with international databases.

Check-ins may become slower, especially at hotels accustomed to handling minimal guest information. For those booking through platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com, privacy rules could affect how data is collected and shared.

Car rentals will also require registration for each driver, adhering to the same data collection process.

While some travelers worry about potential data breaches, most accommodation providers are expected to use specialized companies to securely manage this information, which must be stored for three years.

There’s no need to worry about revealing your bank balance. If you pay for your accommodation by bank transfer, the provider will share the payment details, but not your account balance or other sensitive information. Guests face no penalties for failing to provide data correctly, though cooperation may be necessary for check-in.

Post-Brexit rules classify UK citizens as third-country nationals. While technically required to show proof of funds for their stay (£850 for nine days), this rule has rarely, if ever, been enforced.

Also read: The First Jollibee Spain Comes With Chicken Burgers and Digital Kiosks

Though these measures may add minor inconveniences, they align with global trends requiring increased personal data sharing for international travel. As Spain remains a favorite destination for millions, these changes aim to enhance security without unduly burdening visitors.

If you’re planning a trip, be prepared to provide the necessary information and ensure a smooth check-in experience.