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Is it normal for hotels to ask for passport?

The answer, in many places, is yes. Sometimes hotels may legally demand that you hand over your passport when you check in. In some countries, hotels may be required under local law to retain copies of guests' passport information, a U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed with me.



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Many countries have laws requiring foreign visitors to register with the local police. By taking your passports the hotels are doing this for you (and it's not their decision - it's the law - they have no choice). If the hotel didn't do this for you, you would have to find a local police station and register yourself.

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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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Copies of All Identification Documents
Keep a hard copy of your documents in your carry-on and each checked bag of luggage with which you are traveling, in case any of them go missing during the trip. These copies can help you in multiple situations.

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In Spain, hotels are legally bound to register the passport details of the tourist when they arrive. Previously, this was a way of making sure that customers didn't leave without settling their bills.

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As per Spanish law, accommodation providers and hosts on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com are obligated to collect specific information from their guests. This includes your full name, birth date, nationality, passport details, and the country issuing the passport.

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Identification: Hotel staff will require a valid government-issued identification document such as a passport or driver's license to verify your identity. Some hotels may also require a second form of identification, so it is worth mentioning that travelers should double-check with the hotel they plan to stay at.

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Look for a place in your hotel room where people wouldn`t think that it would be there, like under the TV or at the edge of the carpet. When the edge of the carpet can be pulled up and it is covered by furniture, people will not notice it there. When you get back after a day out, make sure to check on it immediately.

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The very best way to keep your passport safe is to carry it on your person in an anti-theft pouch or money belt that is hidden under your clothes. Here is a selection of anti-theft money belts and wallets. Here is a selection of anti-theft travel purses with special anti-theft zippers.

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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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Most hotels require a form of government-issued identification, like a driver's license or passport, for security reasons and to verify the person's identity who is checking into the room. If you have lost your ID or forgotten it, it's essential to contact the hotel and ask about their policy.

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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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There are important reasons for this policy. If you're short on time, here's a quick overview: Hotels commonly look at and make a copy of IDs at check-in. This helps verify reservations, prevent fraud, comply with laws, and track who is on the premises.

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A passport copy can often contain sensitive information such as date of birth which can be used to access other sensitive information such as bank accounts.

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Hotel rooms are intended to be private places. The idea that someone could be watching you is unsettling. As you might assume, there are laws surrounding the use of hidden recording devices in private areas. In the United States, it is not legal to record hotel guests in their private spaces without their consent.

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Do you need to carry your passport at all times? No. But it makes for good identification should you need it.

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12 Things to Ask for When You Check Into Your Hotel Room
  • Ask for Late Hotel Check Out. ...
  • Ask for a Hotel Room With a View. ...
  • Ask About a List of Hidden Hotel Fees. ...
  • Ask About Hotel Rentals. ...
  • Ask About Extra Hotel Amenities. ...
  • Ask for Unbiased Hotel Recommendations. ...
  • About About Complimentary Hotel Toiletries.


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Upon arrival at the hotel, the front desk staff will typically request to see a form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport. This is to verify your identity and confirm that you are the person who made the reservation. In some cases, the hotel may also scan or photocopy your ID for their records.

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There is a law in Spain that tourists need to carry their passports or national ID cards with them at all times, in case they are stopped by any police force.

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