Travelling To Spain? Your Paperwork Just Got A Bit Lengthier. Here's What You Need To Know

Travelers planning a trip to Spain now face new regulations requiring them to submit extensive personal data when securing lodging or car rental services. Implemented from December 2, this legislation aims to bolster national security by mandating that businesses relay customer information to the Spanish authorities.

The government's updated data collection requirements aim to safeguard national security by tracking the activities of visitors, the move has led to controversy. The tourism industry faces the challenge of implementing these regulations without infringing on privacy or deterring potential visitors, amid criticisms and technical hurdles that have marked the policy's rollout.

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What does the Spanish government require from us?

The new accommodation rules that took effect on include a list of personal data required for everyone aged 14 or above:

• Full name
• Gender
• Nationality
• Passport number
• Date of birth
• Home address
• Landline phone number (if you have one)
• Mobile phone number
• Email address

While under-14s will not need to provide the information, adults travelling with them must explain the relationship they have with the children.

Furthermore, the changes extend to car rentals, with the government demanding access to driving licenses, payment details, and, if possible, vehicle GPS data. Spanish residents will also have to provide this info if they stay away or rent a vehicle.