As an Alojamento Local host in Portugal, managing SEF compliance can be a time-consuming and challenging process. The SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras or the Immigration and Borders Service) requires all paid holiday accommodations to record the entry, exit, and identification details of all non-Portuguese nationals who use their properties. Failure to comply with SEF regulations can result in significant fines and penalties.
Understanding SEF Reporting Obligations for Alojamento Local Hosts
The gradual implementation of the 1990 Schengen Agreement has led to the enforcement of laws requiring SEF reporting in Portugal and most other EU countries. In Portugal, Article 45 of the Schengen Agreement and the recent Alojamento Local law require hosts to record and report guest information to SEF’s SIBA (Sistema de Informação de Boletins de Alojamento). This requirement has been put in place to combat human trafficking and other illegal practices, and it’s enforced across most EU countries. Failure to comply with SEF reporting can lead to significant fines and penalties.
The Challenge of Managing SEF Compliance with Self Check-In
Self check-in has become increasingly popular among short-term rental guests, offering flexibility and convenience. However, this trend has created a challenge for Alojamento Local hosts who must collect and report guest information in compliance with SEF regulations. With guests no longer going through the traditional check-in process, how can hosts ensure that they’re collecting and reporting the necessary information?
Collecting and Submitting SEF SIBA Information Made Easy with UpMarket
UpMarket, a virtual concierge platform based in Amsterdam, has launched SEFScan, a feature that helps Alojamento Local hosts stay compliant with SEF regulations. This feature allows hosts to collect and submit SEF-related guest information after a reservation has been confirmed on Airbnb, Booking.com, or any other booking platform.
Once a reservation is confirmed, hosts send a link to the guest through the booking platform. The guest is prompted to scan a valid ID or passport, and the details are populated automatically. The guest then chooses to submit the information, which is transmitted to SEF through a secure web service. UpMarket also alerts hosts to non-compliance cases by guests, so they can take action if needed. Visit our SEFScan detailed blog post to learn more.
A Competitive Advantage for Alojamento Local Hosts
This feature not only streamlines the process of collecting and reporting SEF-related information but also ensures that hosts are in compliance with SEF regulations. It eliminates the need for hosts to manually collect information from guests, saving them valuable time and effort.
UpMarket’s SEF compliance feature provides a competitive advantage for Alojamento Local hosts, allowing them to offer guests a hassle-free check-in experience while maintaining compliance with SEF regulations. This feature is part of UpMarket’s larger virtual concierge platform, which connects short-term rental guests, property managers, and local businesses to provide guest services beyond the booking experience.
So if you’re an Alojamento Local host struggling to manage SEF compliance with self check-in, UpMarket has you covered. With our platform, you can easily collect and submit the necessary guest information, ensuring compliance with SEF regulations and a seamless check-in process for your guests. Create your free account today or get in touch to learn more.
