Why do hotels want to hold your passport?

These hotels keep a record of passports to cross check for wanted criminals, look for missing persons, or protect against identity thieves. Of course, handing over your personal identification can be risky, even if you're giving it to a reputable hotel with (most likely) trustworthy employees.



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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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It is best that you leave it at the hotel`s safety deposit box rather than inside your room`s safe. If your hotel doesn`t have one, then you can keep it inside your hotel room. 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.

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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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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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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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Valuable documents: Keep your valuable travel documents (especially your passport) safe; passport theft is one the rise world-wide, including in Mexico. Store cash and other valuables in your hotel room's safe or at the hotel's safety deposit box.

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If you're wondering why your host is asking for your passport details, it's important to know this isn't just a random request. The host is primarily looking out for their property and, of course, their guests too. By checking your passport, they can confirm your identity, age, and nationality.

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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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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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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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Now, most of the time, you need to have a passport when traveling, but there are always a few exceptions.
  • Best Places to Travel Without a US Passport. You can travel without a passport in the following countries: ...
  • Puerto Rico. ...
  • US Virgin Islands. ...
  • Northern Mariana Islands. ...
  • American Samoa. ...
  • Guam. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • Mexico.


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What appears on their screen is basically all the information they have about you. All your travel history to and from that country. The consular officer's note when you were interviewed. Everything written in your passport, including identifying details and any travel history it contains.

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How to Keep your passport safe at your hotel or Airbnb. To keep your passport safe, lock it up at your hotel. Use your best judgement based on the activities you'll be doing each day. If you leave your passport behind, lock it in a room safe or in the lockable compartment of your bag.

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Most accommodations have in-room safes or lockers these days. If you dont' feel safe using your in-room safe, feel free to ask the staff at the front desk of your hotel to keep their eyes on it. At the end of the day there's really no 100% safe way to keep your passport form being stolen.

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