Why is guest data collected?
In many European Union countries, accommodation providers are legally required to register guests staying overnight and to submit specific identification data to public authorities.
This obligation does not originate from accommodation providers or booking platforms. It is imposed by national laws of EU Member States, adopted in accordance with European Union legal principles.
Guest data collection exists to serve several important public interests.
Public safety and crime prevention
One of the primary purposes of guest registration is to support public safety.
By knowing who is staying in accommodation facilities, national authorities can:
- Assist law enforcement in criminal investigations.
- Prevent and detect serious crime.
- Identify persons of interest when legally required.
- Enable emergency response and civil protection when necessary.
These measures are especially important in cases involving cross-border movement, organized crime, or serious public security threats.
Migration management and border control
- Monitor the presence of foreign nationals.
- Enforce immigration rules and visa conditions.
- Ensure compliance with national and EU migration legislation.
This is particularly relevant in Schengen Area countries, where internal borders are open but legal oversight remains essential.
Tourism statistics and public planning
Guest data is also used for official tourism statistics. Collected information allows public authorities to:
- Measure tourism flows
- Understand accommodation occupancy
- Plan public infrastructure and services
- Allocate tourism-related funding and resources.
These statistics are aggregated and used for planning purposes, not for profiling individual guests.
Emergency response and civil protection
In emergency situations — such as natural disasters, public health incidents, or evacuation scenarios — registered guest data can help authorities:
- Identify affected persons
- Coordinate emergency response
- Provide assistance more efficiently
This ensures faster and more accurate responses when public safety is at risk.
Legal basis for data collection
The obligation to collect and submit guest data is based on national legislation adopted by each EU Member State.
While the exact rules differ by country, these laws are implemented in line with European Union law, including fundamental rights and data protection principles.
There is no single EU-wide guest database.
Each country operates its own official system, and accommodation providers must comply with the rules of the country in which they operate.