'I'm a travel expert - Brits travelling to Spain will notice subtle changes from this week'
A travel expert has issued a warning to all Brits travelling to Spain that from December 2 you must provide "18 pieces of private data" to gain entry into the country.
Speaking from the Canary Islands, TikTok user Dave - known professionally as Mr TravelON - advised that while there have been changes, you might not notice it much when you're travelling. "Some places have blown it all out of proportion saying you need to give all the information that your life requires to get into Spain," he began in a video.
MrTravelOn continued: "The real fact is I've been around eight hotel receptions this morning and asked if they're asking for any more details than they previously did - and of course the answer was, 'no, nothing really has changed'."
READ MORE: ITV's I'm A Celebrity star left covered in blood after trial, sparking concerns among fans
READ MORE: Rebekah Vardy issues Ant and Dec 'scandals' warning as she breaks silence on I'm A Celeb
However, the expert advised that of course, you're going to have to provide your passport details and the address of where you're staying if you're not in a hotel and in private accommodation. However, he then alluded to a subtle change: "Maybe if you've got relatives in Spain, you may have to give the address of where they are and where you're going to be staying - and they might have to fill out a form to say you're staying with them, but this is standard practice."
"They're also saying on car hire you have to add a little bit more information like what car you're hiring and again your passport details and driving licence information," MrTravelOn expanded, before playing down any significance. "But what car hire company wouldn't ask for you driving licence details? In a nutshell, nothing has changed - the police have always needed who is on holiday in their destination."
Continuing his cynicism of some outlets he added that there has "been talk" of the requirement to provide bank details and how much money you have. However, he claimed: "If you're on a one or two week holiday they're not going to ask for this to make sure you can survive - you're not coming to a desert island are you?"
Closing with a caution of sorts, MrTravelOn said if you arrive with a one-way ticket and you "look like you might be moving over here for a few months" then they may ask for more details, but he reiterated: "Again this is just standard practice."
The video prompted one TikTok user to ask: "So am I right in thinking that you have to have a certain amount in bank to go on holiday? MrTravelOn responded: "No, the media would have you believe that. If you are coming for a long time like 60 days, you have to show 94 pound per day."
A second penned: "We arrived in Lanzarote yesterday, the 2nd! We were asked for nothing." A third Brit praised: "Thank you again for putting everything in perspective. We appreciate it." Whilst a fourth noted: "Just booked to come over later this month through TUI and they haven't been informed of any changes."
As of Monday (December 2), the new rules will require hotels, travel agencies, campsites, car rental companies and accommodation apps to collect comprehensive customer data, including home addresses of holidaymakers. The regulation, known as the Royal Decree 933/2021, was introduced in 2023, but a lengthy delay has meant it will only kick in now.
The changes, implemented by The European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Associations (ECTAA) and Corporate Association of Specialist Travel Agencies (ACAVE) on December 2, 2024 can be found here.
