Why do Spanish hotels take your passport?

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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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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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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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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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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If you are in Spain (no matter what country you are from), you must carry a valid ID card or passport at all times, and failure to do so could see the police detain you temporarily whilst they ascertain your identity, and furthermore, it is within their rights to issue a fine.

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Per Spanish laws, everyone (citizen or foreigner) in Spain must have identification documents when moving around the region. Thus, you should have your passport when leaving the hotel or rental to prove your identity.

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Border crossings Spain has FOUR European land borders. Two are with Schengen countries (France and Portugal), so routine immigration and customs checks do not take place on crossing the border - see the Schengen Agreement section below for more information.

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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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Reality of passport copies The U.S. Department of State recommends that travelers have a photocopy of their passport information before going to international destinations. It's a very smart move to put your copy of your information in a completely different place in your luggage than your actual passport.

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Mexico requires that young adults show photo identification, either a passport or driver's license, as proof of age when buying alcohol. Be prepared to have your ID at most resorts, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, even though most are not strict in their practice of checking.

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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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