Is it safe to give your passport number to a hotel?

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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Consider moving around the city with your driver's license instead, and leave your passport behind in the hotel safe. A screenshot of your passport, or any other form of ID will usually suffice in most scenarios.

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Moussouris explained that hotels collect identity information so they can run background checks, as well as to serve as a reference for the government should anything criminal happen. That law enforcement element means that hotels may need to store, not just check, identification.

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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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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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A passport number is a serial number specific to each passport. Commonly, this series of digits represents where the document was issued and the applicant. Your passport number is vital when applying for an electronic visa or a paper visa as it identifies you and your unique ID.

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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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Even if no one tries to travel on your passport, it could still leave you vulnerable to identity theft. Someone could use your passport for criminal purposes, such as opening a bank account as part of a money laundering process.

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The answer is no hotel room safe is 100% secure, here's why. All hotels have a backdoor or “special way” so the staff can get into the safe in case a guest forgets the code, or loses the key to the safe. Some safes may use a master key or card while others may have a special override code to open the door.

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If the request is legitimate, such as verifying your identity or helping the host remember who you are, then providing the details may be in your best interest. If you are uncomfortable sharing this information, it's recommended to contact Airbnb's customer service to discuss your concerns.

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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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You want a copy of all your identification – one for each checked bag. 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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Many Airbnb's offer safes. If they do not have a safe, I would put it inside a piece of luggage that can be locked. In general, most thieves are not after your passport and are looking more for valuables such as electronics, jewelry, and cash.

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For example, the place may accept a driving licence, identity card, registration certificate, police warrant card and so on. In addition to that, foreign guests may be asked to fill in a special registration form.

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