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$8.99 (as of April 24, 2025 06:56 GMT +00:00 - More info)Are You Ready for Spain’s New Travel Law?
You’re probably thinking, “What’s the big deal? I’m just going to Spain to eat some paella, visit the Alhambra, and soak up the sun on the beach.” But, honey, there’s more to it than that. Spain’s new travel law, Royal Decree 933/2021, is about to change the game for tourists, and you need to pay attention.
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What’s the Law All About?
In a nutshell, this law requires all travelers, including Spanish citizens, to share additional personal information when renting a vehicle or checking into a hotel, Airbnb, campsite, or other accommodation. This information includes:
| Personal Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Your complete name as it appears on your passport |
| Gender | Male or female |
| Nationality | Your country of origin |
| Passport Number | The number on your valid passport |
| Date of Birth | Your birthdate in the format DD/MM/YYYY |
| Home Address | Your permanent address |
| Landline and Mobile Phone Number | Your phone numbers, including your home and mobile numbers |
| Email Address | Your email address |
If you’re traveling with minors under the age of 14, you’ll also need to provide information about your relationship with them.
Why Is Spain Doing This?
The Spanish government claims that this law is necessary to protect its citizens from international terrorism and organized crime. By collecting this information, the Secretaría de Estado de Seguridad (State Secretariat for Security) can better track and prevent illicit activities, including those of transnational crime networks.
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How Will This Affect Travelers?
Well, for starters, you’ll need to provide all this additional information when you rent a car or check into your accommodation. This might be done online during the reservation process, but if you’re using an intermediary like Booking.com, you might need to fill out the details in person when you arrive. This could lead to slower transaction times and longer lines.
What About Privacy Concerns?
The sharing of sensitive personal information raises concerns about privacy and data security issues. This is a legitimate concern for both travelers who are sharing personal information and the travel companies who will be tasked with safeguarding it for three whole years. Who will bear the costs of this new requirement? Only time will tell.
Is This the New Normal?
Unfortunately, yes. Collecting more detailed information about travelers is becoming the norm in the travel industry. The EU is upgrading its entry and exit system and will soon begin collecting biometric data (e.g., photographs and fingerprints) for non-EU nationals entering 29 different EU countries for short visits.
What Can You Do?
While this new law might seem like a hassle, it’s essential to be prepared. Make sure you have all the required information readily available when you arrive at your destination. You might also want to check with your travel provider to see if they have an online system in place for collecting this information.
Tips for Travelers
- Make sure you have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
- Bring a printed copy of your travel itinerary and accommodation details.
- Have all your personal details readily available, including your passport number and home address.
- Check with your travel provider to see if they have an online system for collecting the required information.
Conclusion
Spain’s new travel law might seem like a pain, but it’s essential to be prepared. By understanding what’s required and being proactive, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Spain. So, go ahead and book that flight, but don’t forget to bring your paperwork!
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