New Travel Law in Spanish Hotels: 42 Pieces of Personal Information

If you are planning a trip to Spain or work in the hospitality or legal industry, you will want to pay attention to a significant change in the New Travel Law in Spanish Hotels. Recently, a new regulation was introduced requiring hotels in Spain to collect 42 pieces of personal information from their guests.

This law aims to improve security while aligning with broader regulations in Europe, but it brings a host of implications for travelers, legal professionals, and hotel owners alike.

Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can save you time, streamline your travel experience, and ensure compliance with the law. Here’s everything you need to know.

INDEX

What Is the New Travel Law in Spanish Hotels?

Spain’s new travel law regulation focuses on enhancing security measures in the tourism sector, a critical industry for the country’s economy. The law mandates that hotels and other accommodations collect detailed information from their guests, expanding well beyond the basics like names and passport numbers.

Why Is This Law Being Implemented?

The move comes as part of Spain’s broader effort to bolster public safety, curb illegal activities such as fraud or terrorism, and ensure that tourism-related legal frameworks are up to date with modern demands. Similar measures have been introduced across Europe in the past, reflecting a global trend toward heightened data collection and reporting in the tourism industry.

Entry into Force of Law

The new travel law about data collection requirements for Spanish hotels came into effect on December 2, 2024.

As a result, hotels are now obliged to collect and secure 42 specific pieces of personal information from each guest, ensuring compliance with the strict legal enforcement administered under the umbrella of Spain’s Interior Ministry.

What Information Do Hotels Need to Collect?

Under the new travel law in Spanish Hotels, hotels now have to secure 42 specific pieces of personal information from each guest. While many are standard pieces of data typically gathered during hotel check-ins, some may come as a surprise.

Here are the essential data points required:

Full Name
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Nationality
Passport Number or National ID Number
Type of Document Presented (e.g., passport or ID)
Issue Date of Document
Place of Issue of Document
Expiration Date of Document
Gender
Address (Permanent Residence)
Contact Information (Phone Number, Email Address)
Purpose of Stay (Business, Leisure, etc.)
Dates of Arrival and Departure
Mode of Arrival (e.g., flight, car, train)
Flight Number or Transportation Details (if arriving by car): License Plate Number.
Country of habitual Residence.
Province of Residence.
Municipality of Residence.
Address of Residence (street, number).
Postal Code of Residence.
Occupation or Work Activity.
Company you Work for.
Company Address.
Relationship Between Travelers (if staying with minors).
Marital Status.
Credit Card Number.
Credit Card Expiration Date.
Payment Method used (cash, card, transfer).
IBAN Code of the Bank Account (if transfer is made).
Date and Time of Arrival at the Hotel.
Expected Date and Time of Departure.
Assigned Room (room number).
Food Preferences (if catering service is requested).
Support Needs or Medical Requirements (if applicable).
Guest’s Signature (on registration).
Reason for Travel (leisure, business, etc.).
Name of Accompanying Person (if applicable).
Companion’s Identity Card Number.
Date of Birth of Accompanying Person.
Nationality of the Accompanying Person.
Accompanying Person’s Place of Residence.

Details such as marital status, occupation, and secondary guests’ information may also be requested to ensure complete visitor profiles.

The goal is to provide authorities with a robust database that can be referenced when needed.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

For travelers, this adds an extra layer of administrative work when booking or checking into hotels in Spain. Here’s how it may affect you:

Longer Check-in Processes

The requirement to collect such detailed information may result in longer wait times during check-in. Keep this in mind, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons.

Data Awareness Is More Important Than Ever

Given the sheer amount of personal information collected, travelers should ensure that organizations handle their data securely. Before sharing information, inquire about the hotel’s data protection policies and compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) guidelines.

Impact on Privacy

While the law aims to ensure security, some travelers may feel uncomfortable sharing such detailed personal data. Understanding the reasoning behind this law may help alleviate privacy concerns.

What Should Hotel Owners Know?

This law places significant responsibility on Spanish hotels to manage guest data securely and efficiently. Here’s what hotel owners need to know about the new travel law in Spanish Hotels :

Strict Compliance Is Required

Failure to comply with the law could result in severe penalties for hotel owners. This may include fines or operational disruptions if proper systems aren’t in place.

Invest in Security Infrastructure

Hotels need to ensure that their data collection and storage methods are ironclad. This could involve upgrading IT systems and cybersecurity measures to protect guests’ sensitive data.

Transparency Is Key

Providing guests with clear communication about why organizations collect their information and how they protect it will help build trust and prevent misunderstandings.

Staff Training Is Essential

Employees involved in collecting and processing guest data must be trained to ensure compliance and to handle sensitive information securely.

Practical Tips for Compliance and Preparation

Whether you’re a traveler, a hotel owner, or a legal professional, here’s how you can prepare for the impact of Spain’s new travel law:

Travelers:

Double-check the documents you’ll need before arriving.
Ensure your information is only shared with verified hotel representatives.
Read the fine print of the hotel’s privacy policy.

Hotel Owners:

Update your data collection systems to ensure accuracy and security.
Work with your legal team to ensure full compliance with GDPR.
Communicate with guests clearly about the data collection process.

Legal Professionals:

Stay informed about updates or clarifications to the law.
Offer services to help clients (both travelers and hoteliers) remain compliant.