New rules in Spain will require tourists to provide more information when staying at hotels, guest houses, and apartments from December 2.
The rules come in response to an ongoing operation between the Irish Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) and Spain’s Guardia Civil, which targets a transnational organised crime group.
This new decision to require extra checks has been controversial, with some reportedly planning to boycott the country.
Noël Wolf, Cultural and Linguistic Expert at Babbel, told Express.co.uk: “These new rules – that require holidaymakers to provide 31 new pieces of information on where they’re staying – are not targeted at stopping tourists, rather organised crime.
“However, after a year of tension with locals, including a series of angry protests, it can cause anxiety among those travelling to the country that they won’t be welcome when they arrive.
“If you’re concerned about it and you want to holiday there – which our research shows a lot of Brits do – the best thing you can do is to integrate into the culture.
“Learn some of the language, at least some key phrases; brush up on local norms; and try to avoid being drunk and disorderly.”
Last year, a staggering 17.8 million Brits visited Spain, with some believing that the new change could cause this figure to drop.
However, Ms Wolf says research shows that 18% of Brits still plan to visit Spain next year despite the new rules.
The law was passed on October 26, 2021 to protect “public safety” from terrorist threats and organised crime, according to the Spanish government.
Brits cannot stay in Spain for more than 90 days in every 180 days.
Those who do not like the new rules have referred to the change as the “Big Brother” law, as authorities would be provided with tourists’ information.
While the rules aren’t aimed at the average British tourist, some are not keen on providing additional information.