How much information is too much information? That’s the question many travelers to Spain are asking themselves right now!
From October 1 the Spanish government is introducing new guidelines that will impact all travelers, including those traveling from the U.S.
These changes may impact how people choose to travel to Spain.
Here’s what you need to know:
Spain Introduces New Tourism Laws
It’s normal for a hotel to swipe your credit card and take a copy of your passport when you arrive in a new destination, and this is something that most of us have experienced and expect.
But Spanish authorities have taken this normal travel routine a step further.
Under Spanish Royal Decree 933/2021, properties in Spain will have to share the information they gather about their guests with authorities (specifically the local police station) using a new digital application system.
This rule applies to both hotels and private accommodations such as Airbnb.
And the list of personal information that will be both gathered and shared is pretty extensive.
What Personal Information About You Will Be Shared?
I know this topic sounds a little dry, but if you travel regularly in Spain (like I do!) it’s important to be informed.
So what information will your hotel be sharing about you?
Up to 18 different pieces of personal information will be gathered and shared, including:
- Name (First name and surname)
- Sex
- Passport information, including your passport number
- Nationality
- Date of Birth
- Full address
- Landline and mobile telephone number
- Email address
- The number of people you are traveling with, their names, and your relationship to the other passengers
- Transaction data, including the contract you signed with the accommodation, the date of this contract, and your signature.
- Date and time of entry and date and time of departure.
Perhaps the most controversial of the details that will be gathered are your payment details. This includes:
- The type of payment you made (for example cash, credit card, or other payment platform)
- Information about your payment including type of card and number, IBAN bank account, mobile payment solution, others.
- The name on your payment card
- Your card expiration date
Are There Objections To These New Tourism Laws?
Yes! The objections to these new tourism laws have been loud and plentiful!
Cehat, the Spanish confederation of hotels and tourist accommodation has rejected these rules on the grounds that they are unsafe and pose a security risk.
They have cited “legal insecurity, the lack of clarity in the text and the extra administrative burden” as the reason they don’t think the plans should be introduced.
In effect, this new data gathering law means that the Spanish authorities will be able to track you during your time in Spain, and technically they will even be able to track your bank information and your spending too.
As a result, many media outlets, especially in Europe, have labeled this new law a “Big Brother” law.
It enables Spanish authorities to have much more control over the information of their visitors.
And it’s worth noting that this new decree applies to both international and domestic tourists in Spain.
In the spirit of fair and balanced reporting, the Spanish government claims that these new laws will make the country safer.
The Spanish Ministry for the Interior has defended its decision by saying that knowing who is staying in its hotels and apartment complexes and when they are staying in them will benefit national security.
Spain is one of the most visited countries in Europe. France is the most visited right now, but Spain is set to overtake it for the top spot in the next decade.
Only time will tell if these new regulations will deter visitors from choosing Spain in the future.
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