The legal obligations of traveler registration in Spain have undergone a profound transformation with the full implementation of Real Decreto 933/2021. Since December 2, 2024, compliance with these obligations is not only a recommendation but a critical requirement for any natural or legal person engaged in lodging activities (hotels, tourist apartments, rural houses, hostels, etc.).
The central objective of this regulation is to improve public safety through the digitization and centralization of information.
1. The mandatory platform: SES.Hospedajes
The main legal obligations of the traveler registration in Spain are related to the official platform SES.Hospedajes, managed by the Ministry of the Interior. To operate on it, establishments must be registered and access it through secure digital identification methods, such as the digital certificate, the electronic DNI, or the Cl@ve system.
From Registration Traveler Reports we automate the sending of the data of the traveler report required by the Ministry of the Interior for only €3 per month per property, ensuring that you comply with legal obligations and that your guests’ data is secure, thanks to our highest quality encryption. Avoid errors in submission with our service
2. Required information: What data should you collect?
The regulations require the collection of a larger volume of data than in the past. Two types of information must be distinguished:
- Traveler data: Full name, sex, type and number of identity document (DNI, passport, TIE), support number, nationality, date of birth, complete address (usual), mobile phone, and email.
- Transaction and stay data: Check-in and check-out date and time, payment method identification (type, holder, etc.), number of travelers, and the relationship in case of minors.
With our application you can scan the MRZ code of your guests’ identity document, without needing to take a photo of the ID, an activity carried out by many hosts and which, however, is illegal, since you are exposing a series of personal data not necessary for the obligation of traveler registration. Additionally, there is the risk of these images being stolen, which would harm the guests and lead to legal penalties.
Important: All guests over 14 years old must sign the check-in form (validated electronic signatures are accepted).
3. Communication deadlines
The law is strict regarding shipping times. The information must be communicated within a maximum period of 24 hours from when two key moments occur:
- The formalization of the reservation (or its cancellation).
- The start of the contracted services (the moment of check-in).
4. Data conservation and protection
- File: Obligated parties must maintain an updated computerized record of all collected data for at least 3 years from the completion of the service.
- Protection (GDPR): Since sensitive personal data is handled, it is mandatory to implement security measures (encryption, access control, multi-factor authentication) and provide the guest with the necessary information about the processing of their data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
5. The risk of non-compliance
Failure to comply with the registration obligation or failure to communicate the data within the established deadlines is considered a serious administrative offense according to the Ley Orgánica 4/2015 de Protección de la Seguridad Ciudadana. Financial penalties can vary significantly, reaching up to 30,000 euros in cases of repeated or serious non-compliance.
In addition to the registration of travelers at the time of check-in, starting February 2026, legal obligations are established for the registration of travelers in Spain, the NRUA or annual registration. From that moment on, we must collect the check-in and check-out dates of guests and their number and send them to the Property Registry through the N2 program. For any questions on the subject, consult our guides.
