Starting December 2024, anyone heading to Spain will need to brace for new entry requirements as part of the country's push to tighten security and streamline visitor data collection. These changes aim to bolster safety measures and curb organized crime, but they have sparked controversy among privacy advocates and tourism officials alike.
Tourists planning to stay at hotels, Airbnbs, or campsites will have to provide extensive personal information under these new regulations. While hotels previously collected basic details, such as names and ID numbers, the upcoming requirements will demand much more comprehensive data. This includes everything from email addresses and phone numbers to payment information.
The detailed list of required information has raised eyebrows. Visitors will need to share:
- Name
- Nationality
- Passport or ID number
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Full address
- Phone number
- Payment details
The Spanish government will receive this information, which has led to fears among some travelers of potential privacy violations. The Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT) has expressed strong opposition to the regulations, stating they could infringe upon fundamental rights and may complicate experiences for millions of visitors.
Adding to the concerns, rental car companies will also be required to share customer data with authorities, aligning with the new checks aimed at securing public safety. Those who fail to comply with these new data collection requirements face hefty fines, potentially reaching €30,000 (about £25,000).
Critics have disparagingly dubbed the regulations as 'Big Brother' policies, warning they may lead to longer check-in times and increased frustration among tourists. The CEHAT has even suggested potential legal action against the new rules, emphasizing the impact they could have on Spain's image as a tourist destination.
Supporters argue, on the other hand, say these measures are necessary to boost security and prevent crime. This new data strategy forms part of broader regulations established through a Royal decree, showcasing Spain's dedication to enhancing the safety of both its residents and visitors.
From 2025, travelers will also need to navigate another layer of requirements with the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This system will charge travelers €7 (roughly £6) for the authorization needed to visit any of the 29 Schengen countries or Cyprus.
More adjustments are anticipated on the horizon, as the Entry/Exit System (EES) is expected to launch simultaneously. This system will require third-country nationals, which encompasses all tourists from outside the EU, to submit biometric data along with their passports, helping the authorities to maintain comprehensive oversight of who enters the country.
For British tourists, several old rules still apply. They must present valid passports, ensuring their document is less than ten years old and has at least three months' validity remaining upon departure. Currently, Britons can travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without needing a visa.
Children and seniors are exempt from the ETIAS fee, but they still need to apply for authorization, making sure no demographic is overlooked. Meanwhile, as these new regulations unfurl, the tourism industry has raised concerns about potential deterrents for visitors.
Will these regulation changes have the desired effect of improving safety, or will they drive visitors away from Spain, as many fear? Travelers and the tourism industry are watching closely as December creeps closer, already anticipating the impact. The balance between enhancing security protocols and maintaining the visitor-friendly environment Spain is known for is definitely a precarious one. Only time will tell how these shifts will play out.
