How to Report Foreign Guests in Local Accommodation (SIBA Guide 2026)
If you operate a Local Accommodation (AL) property in Portugal and host guests who do not reside in Portugal, you are legally required to report their details to the authorities through SIBA – the Accommodation Bulletin System.
What You'll Learn in This Guide
Who must report guests
The legal deadline
What information is required
How the SIBA process works
Is It Mandatory to Report Foreign Guests in Local Accommodation?
Yes.
Under Portuguese law, all Local Accommodation operators must report the details of guests who are not residents of Portugal to AIMA (formerly SEF) through the SIBA system.
This obligation applies regardless of where the booking was made:
Airbnb
Booking.com
Direct bookings
Any other booking platform
The responsibility always remains with the Local Accommodation operator.
What Is the Deadline for Reporting Guests in SIBA?
Guest information must be reported:
Within 3 business days of arrival
And updated after the guest's departure
Failure to comply may result in administrative fines.
Which Guests Must Be Reported?
The following guests must be reported:
European Union citizens who do not reside in Portugal
Foreign tourists
Any person whose residence is outside Portugal
Portuguese residents do not need to be reported.
What Information Is Required for SIBA?
To complete an Accommodation Bulletin, you will need:
Full name
Date of birth
Nationality
Document type
Document number
Issuing country
Check-in date
Check-out date
How to Report Guests in SIBA: Step-by-Step
Access the SIBA portal
Enter the guest's details
Confirm the arrival
Submit the departure information within the required deadline
The process is manual and can become time-consuming if guest information is not properly organized.
Common Mistakes When Reporting Foreign Guests
Many hosts:
Request passport photos through WhatsApp
Receive incomplete guest information
Forget the 3-business-day deadline
Have guest details scattered across messages and emails
This increases the risk of mistakes, missed deadlines, and unnecessary stress.
The Best Way to Organize Guest Information Before Check-In
The most efficient approach is to use a digital check-in form:
Send a link to the guest
The guest completes their details before arrival
All information is collected in one place
You can submit the data to SIBA within the legal deadline
This exact problem is why I created EazyAL, a simple tool designed to help Local Accommodation hosts organize:
Digital check-in
Guest information ready for SIBA
INE reporting reminders
Everything in one place
No automatic submissions are made — the host always remains in control.
You can try it for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to report Spanish guests in SIBA?
Yes. All guests who do not reside in Portugal must be reported, including citizens of European Union countries such as Spain, France, Germany, or Italy.
Does Airbnb report guests on my behalf?
No. The responsibility for reporting guests always belongs to the Local Accommodation operator.
What is the fine for not reporting guests in SIBA?
Failure to comply with SIBA reporting obligations may result in fines imposed by the competent authorities.
Do I need to report Portuguese guests?
No. Only guests who are not residents of Portugal must be reported through SIBA.
