Travelling to Spain is about to become a little more complicated – and people aren’t happy about it.
Earlier this week, it was reported Brits heading to Spain will soon be required to provide 43 pieces of information upon checking into their accommodation, thanks to new regulations set to come into effect in December.
People have compared the controversial new law to Big Brother-style surveillance, as it boosts the amount of personal data recorded when tourists check into a hotel or apartment or hire a car. When it comes to why the rule has been put in place, the Spanish government says the stricter requirements will increase safety by giving the Ministry of Interior access to details on who, when and where both domestic and international visitors are staying, aiding in tracking terrorists and organised criminal gangs.
But, since the news was confirmed, Brits have aired the concern about the new rule on social media, with many of them being left in disbelief. Benidorm party organiser Frank, known as frankthestagman on TikTok, recently opened up about the matter in a candid video.
He claimed “as soon as you arrive at the airports”, you’ll be required to fill out a form and provide information about yourself. Frank noted a lot of the information you have to provide will be “very personal”.
Frank said: “I’ve got to be honest with you, I can’t believe we’ve got to a stage in life where anybody can actually ask for this type of information. Information they are wanting from you, which you will have to give, is – well, there’s a lot of it – but these are the basics.
“These are the ones that you’re more likely to not want to handover. Your full name, your full address, your credit card information. They’re also going to be wanting your phone number, they’re going to want to know where you’re going to be staying and also your passport and driving licence information.
“If you fail to provide any of this information, and there is more, you can be fined up to 30,000 euros. Wow.”
He added the law was meant to be introduced this month, but it’s been put back to December 2. Frank thinks a lot of people will “disagree” with the change, but it’s going to effect everyone – whether they like it or not.
The video has been viewed thousands of times since it was shared, and people were keen to comment too. Lots of Brits don’t seem too happy about it.
One person said: “It’s going to really put the stops for loads of people – too much hassle for a bit of sun.” Another replied: “Won’t be going.”
A third also added: “That’s a shame. We’ve been to Finestrat for the last two years (10 of us), popping into Benidorm as well. We were just about to book again. We’ve just discussed it, and we are not booking now.”
Meanwhile, a fourth wrote: “As much as we love Benidorm, and have for many years, sadly this will put me off. If more people feel the same way, tourist figures drop, which I fear they will.”