Madrid, Spain – Starting Monday, December 2, holidaymakers visiting Spain will be subject to stricter data collection rules under new legislation that critics say mirrors “Big Brother” surveillance.
The new law mandates hotels, travel agencies, car rental companies, and accommodation platforms to gather extensive personal information from all tourists aged 14 and above. The move aims to bolster national security but has sparked strong opposition from industry leaders and privacy advocates.
Under the law, Spanish hotels will be required to collect up to 31 data points per guest, including full name, gender, nationality, passport number, date of birth, home address, mobile number, and email address. While hotels previously only requested an ID card or passport, the new rules demand uploading this data to a centralized platform accessible to Spanish security forces.
Although children under 14 are exempt, adult travelers must report their relationship to any accompanying minors.
The Spanish government insists the legislation is necessary to fight organised crime, but the response has been far from unanimous. The country’s leading hotel association, Cehat, has launched a legal challenge against the measure. Its secretary-general, Ramón Estalella, likened the rules to “Big Brother”, warning they could cause chaos, violate privacy laws, and burden travelers.
Cehat voiced concerns that the policy may breach the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Violations could carry penalties of up to 30,000 euros (£25,000), or potentially higher fines from EU authorities.
“Spain is already the only country in the European Union where hotels must submit guest ID data to the police,” said Estalella. In a statement, Cehat argued that the new rules could “violate fundamental privacy rights” and significantly delay check-ins, particularly during peak travel seasons.
In response to the backlash, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska defended the policy in October, claiming it strikes a balance between privacy and public safety.
The new law also comes amid mounting pressure over over-tourism in Spain and across Europe.
Demonstrations have taken place in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, as well as popular destinations in the Canary Islands such as Playa de las Americas.
Protesters have voiced frustration over rising housing costs, the expansion of holiday rental platforms like Airbnb, and the strain on local infrastructure.
As implementation day nears, the debate intensifies over whether the regulations will enhance security or deter tourism—a sector vital to Spain’s economy.