New Spanish Data Rules Could Delay Hotel Check-Ins for Tourists

Sat Dec 13 2025 09:42:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Starting Monday, new government regulations will require tourists in Spain to provide personal information, potentially leading to longer check-in times.

As of December 2, 2023, tourists visiting Spain will encounter a more bureaucratic process as new legislation, Royal Decree 933/2021, mandates hotel owners and car hire companies to submit personal data to the government. This step, initiated for national security purposes, has raised privacy concerns and fears of delays at check-in desks across the tourist sector. Required information includes passport details, addresses, and payment methods for all individuals aged 14 and over.

The Confederation of Spanish Hoteliers and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT) expressed worries about how this could affect the hospitality industry, hinting at possible legal actions against the new rules. The law, impacting both tourists and local residents, also stipulates that businesses must maintain thorough records, report data daily, and comply with strict penalties for non-compliance. The Ministry of the Interior defended the regulations as necessary for protecting citizens from terrorism and organized crime.

While many businesses are expected to automate data collection to relieve check-in delays, travel experts warn that the new requirements could complicate the process. The adjustment period might witness heightened standing times at hotel receptions, at least during the current low tourist season, giving operators the opportunity to adapt. Travel content creators and industry analysts are closely monitoring the implications of these regulations, especially concerning spontaneous travel arrangements and last-minute bookings.