Connect your Holidu property to SIBA (Sistema de Informação de Boletins de Alojamento) to automate guest registration and comply with Portugal's local accommodation reporting requirements. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the setup process and help you understand how the system works from both host and guest perspectives.
Before You Start - What are the prerequisites?
Before activating the guest registration feature with Holidu, ensure you have the following in place:
- A property already registered on the official SIBA portal at https://siba.ssi.gov.pt
- Your SIBA credentials ready:
- NIF of the Hotel Unit
- Establishment Code
- Authentication Key (typically a 12-digit password)
- Knowledge of your active bulletin submission method (Método de envio) in your SIBA account
To check your current submission method, log in to your SEF account at https://siba.ssi.gov.pt/s/an/default.aspx. Both "SEF-SIBA web service integration" and "SEF-SIBA Página no portal integration" methods are supported by Holidu, but the method you select in the app must match your SIBA configuration. If you need to change your submission method, contact SIBA directly at https://siba.ssi.gov.pt/contactos.
How to configure the Guest Online registration between Holidu and SIBA
Follow these steps to connect your property to SIBA through Holidu:
Step 1: Access the Online Check-in Tool
In your Holidu app, navigate to Tools in the left-side menu and click on Online Check-in.
Step 2: Select Your Property
You'll see a list of your properties. Click "Configure" next to the property you want to connect.
Step 3: Complete the Configuration Form
Fill in the form with your SIBA credentials and enable "Send data automatically to the responsible authority".
Step 4: Select Your Sending Method
Choose the sending method that matches your SIBA configuration. The two options are:
- SEF-SIBA web service integration (Option A)
- SEF-SIBA Página no portal integration (Option B)
If the method you select in Holidu does not match the Método de envio configured in your SIBA account, validation and data transfer will fail.
Option A: SEF-SIBA web service integration
Use the same credentials you use to access the SIBA portal at https://siba.ssi.gov.pt/S/FB.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fS%2fau%2fDefault.aspx
Complete these required fields:
| Field in Holidu app | SEF/SIBA portal field |
|---|---|
| Username | Unidade Hoteleira (NIF of the hotel unit) |
| Password | Chave de Ativação (activation key) |
| Establishment number | Estabelecimento (establishment code) |
For the remaining fields (postal code, postal area, contact name, email, and phone number), enter the exact information from your SIBA account under "Atualização dos dados de inscrição" at https://siba.ssi.gov.pt/S/au/DadosIdentificacaoActualizacao.aspx
On the same SIBA page, verify that "Método de envio" is set to "Web Service" for this option to work.
Option B: SEF-SIBA Página no portal integration
Use the same credentials you use to access the SIBA portal at https://siba.ssi.gov.pt/S/FB.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fS%2fau%2fDefault.aspx
Complete these required fields:
| Field in Holidu app | SEF/SIBA portal field |
|---|---|
| Username | Unidade Hoteleira (NIF) |
| Password | Chave de Ativação (activation key) |
| Establishment number | Estabelecimento (establishment code) |
No address or contact details are needed for this option. Only select "Página no portal" if this is the sending method configured in your SIBA account settings.
How to switch between the two methods
The sending method selected in Holidu must always match the "Método de envio" in your SIBA account. Changing it in Holidu alone is insufficient.
- Check the current method in the SIBA portal under "Atualização dos dados de inscrição" at https://siba.ssi.gov.pt/S/au/DadosIdentificacaoActualizacao.aspx
- If you need to change it, gather your NIF (tax identification number) and establishment number(s)
- Send an email to siba@ssi.gov.pt requesting the change to your preferred method
- Wait for SIBA's confirmation that the change has been processed
- Return to the configuration form in Holidu, select the matching sending method, and complete the required fields
- Click "Validate" and wait for "Completed!" to appear
- Click "Save Changes"
What happens after the activation
Once you successfully activate the SIBA connection, future bookings with check-in dates at least 6 days after configuration completion will automatically have an associated check-in form.
This form is automatically sent to guests via email or through your booking platform's messaging system. Guests must complete the form by providing details for all guests in their party, including children. They can fill out information manually or by scanning their ID documents.
Guest's point of view
After booking, guests receive a form link via email (or through Airbnb message if booked via Airbnb). They have the option to fill out details manually or by scanning their identification documents.
Once guests submit their information, it is stored in the system. If the form remains incomplete, automatic reminders are sent 5 days prior to the check-in date. If data is still incomplete by check-in day, you can manually collect the information using the same form link.
At 11:00 PM on the check-in date, completed guest data is automatically transferred to the SIBA portal.
Form Statuses
The following statuses appear on booking pages in your Holidu app to indicate the status of guest registration:
How to fix incomplete data
If you encounter issues with form completion or data transfer:
- Resend the form link to the guest as a reminder using the app interface
- For transfer errors:
- Contact Holidu Support at host@holidu.com
- Confirm that the sending method selected in Holidu matches the submission method (Método de envio) configured in SIBA — either "SEF-SIBA web service integration" or "SEF-SIBA Página no portal integration"
How to get the guest registration form - Boletim de alojamento
To download the guest registration form for a specific period:
- Log in to Holidu and go to More > Account > Guest Online Registration
- Click Configure, then open Details > Documents
- Select "Generate Guest Form", choose your desired date period, and click Download
Frequently Asked Questions
When do guests receive the form?
Guests receive the form link immediately after booking via email. If the form remains incomplete 5 days before arrival, an automatic reminder is sent to encourage completion.
What about multi-unit properties?
The guest registration feature is not yet available for properties with multiple units, such as properties with separate rented rooms. Holidu is actively working to extend this functionality to multi-unit properties soon.
What about bookings made before activating SIBA with Holidu that have future check-ins?
The form will only be sent automatically if your SIBA configuration in Holidu was completed at least 6 days before the check-in date. For earlier bookings without this timeframe, you must manually submit guest data to SIBA.
Do I need to register all guests, including minors?
Yes, all guests must be registered in the system, including minors. Parents or legal guardians can register children on their behalf.
What if guests don't fill out the form?
Guests receive an automatic reminder 5 days before their check-in date. If the form remains incomplete by check-in day, you can fill it out yourself during check-in or resend the link to ensure completion before 11:00 PM on the check-in date.
Can I edit the form after submission?
No, data cannot be edited after submission to SIBA. For any corrections needed, contact the SIBA portal directly at https://siba.ssi.gov.pt/
Will I receive a notification when a guest completes the form?
You will not receive an automatic notification. Check your booking details in the Holidu app to verify that the form has been completed by the guest.
Can I use this configuration for all bookings?
The guest registration feature only applies to bookings made through channels connected to Holidu. Manual bookings or bookings imported via iCal are not supported.
What if a guest fills in their data and then cancels the booking?
Guest data will not be transferred to SIBA if the booking is cancelled. Data transfers only occur for active bookings on the check-in day.
Do secondary accounts have access to this feature?
Only the main account holder can configure the SIBA feature. Secondary collaborators can view the form in booking details but cannot manage or activate the feature.
When is guest data transferred to the SIBA portal?
Guest data is transferred to SIBA after 11:00 PM on the check-in day. Ensure all guest information is completed by that time for successful transfer.
What should I do if I have issues activating the SIBA connection with Holidu?
If you experience problems during setup or activation, contact Holidu's support team at host@holidu.com for assistance.
Important Note
The Holidu guest registration feature assists with collecting and submitting guest data to SIBA. However, legal responsibility for submitting accurate and timely guest information remains solely with the property host. For official and detailed legal information regarding Portuguese accommodation registration requirements, visit the SIBA FAQs at https://siba.ssi.gov.pt/ajuda/perguntas-frequentes/#faq-04
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