From tomorrow, Monday 2nd December, Spain will enforce Royal Decree 933/2021, introducing a mandatory traveller/visitor registration system for all accommodation and rent-a-car companies, including here in the Canary Islands.
The law aims to improve public security but has sparked concerns over increased administrative burdens and potential privacy issues for holidaymakers.
What Does the Law Require?
Businesses must collect and register detailed client and transaction data on the Ses.Hospedajes platform. This applies to hotels, apartments, holiday lets, and rent-a-car companies. The mandatory data that must be collected includes:
For Vehicle Rentals:
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply could result in fines ranging from €100 for minor violations to as much as €30,000 for serious infractions, such as missing mandatory records. While the government asserts that costs for businesses will remain minimal, industry stakeholders are worried about the added bureaucratic strain and its potential impact on competitiveness.
Modernizing an Outdated System
The law replaces a 65-year-old registration framework, extending its reach to modern accommodation types, including vacation homes listed on digital platforms. Since its initial trial phase, the Ses.Hospedajes platform has already collected millions of data points, which the Ministry of the Interior claims have been instrumental in locating individuals wanted nationally and internationally.
As the new system takes effect, travelers are advised to be prepared for the increased data requirements, while businesses adapt to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. For now, the government sees this as a vital step toward balancing modern tourism with enhanced security measures.
