Is it normal for a hotel to ask for passport number?

When one is checking in to a hotel in a foreign country, it is customary to ask for one's passport, because that is the document used to establish and confirm one's identity. Now, if one is not a citizen of the US, at check in to an American hotel, one may be asked to present one's passport.



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The front desk of a hotel is called Reception, and this is where you will officially check-in. Have your identification, reservation confirmation, and form of payment (preferably a credit card with lots of room on it) at hand. This can include your driver license, passport, and one or more credit cards.

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Leave your passport at the hotel. According to the US Department of State, one of the safest things you can do is secure your passport under lock and key at home or your hotel as you would with any other valuable.

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Leave Your Passport at the Hotel Although your passport is required as an ID when travelling abroad, you don't really need to carry it around with you everywhere. Consider moving around the city with your driver's license instead, and leave your passport behind in the hotel safe.

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While it is not required to have a passport to make flight reservations, it is strongly recommended. While you may be able to book your airline ticket without your passport number, you must have a valid passport in hand before you arrive at the airport.

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As veterans in the hospitality industry, we understand that this basic request might be unfamiliar for many travelers. But rest assured, we're happy to clarify that this is perfectly normal and required by law. Yes, even locals have to present our IDs at hotels, B&Bs, and other accommodations both in Italy and abroad.

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In Italy, the hotels are required to register guests with the local authorities, which they do via your passport information. They will collect your passport when you check in, sometimes keeping it for 24 hours before returning it to you.

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It is part of the way things are done in Italy. The hotel has to report your details to the police. If the front desk is busy, they will want to hold the passport for a short time until they can take the details. There is no risk: many thousands of passports are handled this way every day.

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Yes, most reputable hotels do run surface-level checks on guests, using a photo ID or credit card to verify their identity.

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