Spain, one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, is tightening its entry rules starting December 2, 2024. These new regulations, part of Royal Decree 933/2021, aim to enhance national security while raising privacy concerns among travelers.
What the new Spain entry rules entail
Under the updated rules, accommodation providers and car rental companies in Spain must collect and report extensive personal details from their guests. These include full names, nationalities, passport or ID numbers, birthdates, addresses, contact information, payment details, and gender.
For minors, their parents or guardians must disclose the minors’ relationships to accompanying adults. Apart from hotel owners and car hire firms, rental properties and campsites must also comply with the new entry rules.
For starters, businesses must register with Spain’s Ministry of the Interior to comply with these rules. They must report collected data daily and maintain digital records for at least three years.
The penalties for non-compliance are severe, ranging from €100 to €30,000. These measures are designed to strengthen public security and combat threats such as terrorism and organized crime.
Potential issues and challenges
Tourism industry leaders in Spain, however, are pushing back. The Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT) has voiced concerns over operational disruptions and privacy violations. Industry representatives argue the rules could deter visitors and complicate their operations. Some groups are even considering legal action, claiming the decree violates existing privacy laws.
Travelers may also face challenges under the new system. Data collection during check-ins or car rentals could cause delays, frustrating tourists eager to begin their vacations. Privacy advocates have raised red flags about the extensive personal information being collected, fearing misuse or potential breaches.
ETIAS and EES impact on Spain
Apart from these new requirements for visitors to Spain, British travelers must have a passport less than 10 years old. In addition, their passports must have at least three months’ worth of validity remaining following their date of departure.
At the moment, British travelers can spend a maximum of 90 out of every 180 days in Schengen countries. This applies as long as their reason for travel is for tourism purposes. This might soon change with the upcoming 2025 implementation of the European Travel Information Authorization System (ETIAS). The ETIAS system aims to enhance security by pre-screening visitors before they arrive in Europe.
In 2025, Spain will also implement the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES will replace passport stamping with a digital system that records entry and exit data. In addition, it will store biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images.
The ETIAS and EES will require non-EU visitors to provide biometric data and pre-travel authorization. Together, these initiatives aim to streamline border control processes while maintaining strict security standards.
Looking ahead
The tourism sector has mixed reactions to these developments. While some businesses support measures to improve safety, others warn of negative impacts on Spain’s reputation.
Ensuring smooth implementation and clear communication will be critical to minimizing disruptions. Overall, Spain’s new entry rules represent a significant shift for both the tourism industry and travelers.
Photo by Martijn Vonk on Unsplash
