Every Hotel I have ever stayed in all over the world, have all requested my passport, a few years ago they would keep it for a few days (police checks Im told) Nowadays they Photocopy it and hand it back. But yes, You will have to have either a passport or ID card.

Yes, in 2026, virtually all reputable hostels check and scan passports (or national ID cards) during the check-in process. This is not just a policy of the hostel, but a legal requirement in most countries (especially across Europe, Asia, and Latin America) to report guest information to local police or tourism boards. In the US, hostels require government-issued ID to prevent "locals" from using the facility as long-term housing, often enforcing a rule that you must live a certain distance away to stay. In 2026, many hostels have switched to digital check-in, where you upload a photo of your passport via an app before arrival, but you will still be asked to present the physical document for verification upon entry. This ensures the safety of the communal environment and confirms that all guests are documented and authorized to be in the country.