With plummeting temperatures in the UK , many people are preparing to head south in the deep midwinter – and Spain is by far the most popular country for British holidaymakers. But from next Monday, 2 December , tourists will face added red tape when checking in to their accommodation or renting a car. A new Spanish law , aimed at improving security, stipulates that the providers must collect a lot of fresh information from holidaymakers.
Some media reports warn of ‘Big Brother’ demands, including guests revealing bank balances, but these appear unsubstantiated. These are the key questions and answers. The Secretaría de Estado de Seguridad (State Secretariat for Security) is concerned about the safety of Spanish citizens.
It says: “The greatest attacks on public safety are carried out by both terrorist activity and organised crime, in both cases with a marked transnational character.” The government says foreigners are involved in “terrorist threats and other very serious crimes committed by criminal organisations”. The authorities wants to keep tabs on who is staying where, and cross-check personal details against databases of “persons of interest”.
Hotels have long recorded some personal details. But the government is extending the list of data required – and also wants people staying in Airbnb accommodation to register too. Ministers say the new rules are essential “to ensure the safety of citizens”.
The new accommodation rules that come into effe.