Yes, hotels almost always require a passport for check-in when traveling internationally, as it is a legal, tax, and security requirement in many countries to verify guest identities. The passport is typically scanned or copied at the front desk, not held, to register guests with local authorities.
GDPR and Hotel guest passports and ID cards : do's and don'ts. The scanning of hotel guests' id cards and passports is a sensitive subject. Hotels are required to identify every guest for legal and billing purposes, so they can ask for the ID-card to meet their legal obligation.
All hotels I've stayed in throughout the world ask for the passport. No a photocopy won't do, they need to scan it and enter it into their database. They won't keep it, you'll get it back in less than 5 minutes. They all ask for your passport and they usually scan or copy it.
Is it safe to send a photo of a passport to a hotel?
At a hotel they sometimes offer it as well, to save time at check in. A photo of your passport is less practical for identity theft than you think it is. You're already trusting them by staying in their apartment. It'll be fine.
Why Do Hotels Take Your Passport? - Resort 2 Travel
Is it safe to give your passport details?
Never just hand over a copy of your identity document (ID). Not even if an organisation asks for a copy to set up a mobile phone or rental contract. Do you still have a copy of your passport, identity card or driving licence lying around?
Every lodging must record who is staying there, either with your passport or EU identity card. It's SOP for lodging in all of the EU, and really, everywhere else. Accomodations are required to upload information regarding who stays there.
Some local or national governments require hotels to record the passport number and name of every foreign guest, and that information might have to be submitted to local authorities. In the European Union, member states are technically required to validate your identity through your passport upon check-in.
At hotels, you only need to prove your identity—use your voter ID, driving license, or utility bill instead. Your Aadhaar should only be shared for property purchases, bank accounts, or government subsidies. Don't take chances with your privacy. Tag someone who needs to hear this!
For security purposes, valid Indian government approved photo identification with address is required at check-in for all guests occupying the room. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, Aadhar card, and/or voter ID.
Often they'll ask for passport or similar ID so they can verify who it is just in case of damages, non payment of mini bar bills etc. Anyone could pay using online methods and give false details.
Any guests who are a resident in the United Kingdom must provide a valid passport or national ID cards with photo which states their nationality. Guest checking in from any of the European Union countries must provide either the ID card, Passport or EU drivers licence upon check-in.
Never give a photocopy of or information from your travel document unless you're sure it's going to a trusted organization or individual. If you do share information from your travel document with someone, you are responsible for anything they do with that information.
Can an unmarried couple stay in a hotel with a local ID?
As long as both individuals are above 18 years of age and are carrying a valid government-issued ID, booking and staying in a hotel is lawful. The Indian Constitution upholds every adult's right to privacy, which includes the freedom to choose where and with whom they wish to stay.
Some hotels may allow under-18s to stay with written parental permission, or if they're accompanied by someone older. For example, a 17-year-old travelling with an older sibling or friend who is over 18 may be allowed, as long as the booking is made by the adult.
If in doubt, ask. In some circumstances it would be problematic to resist handing over your passport details. Hotels in Europe and Asia will routinely ask for your passport when you check in and make a photocopy of the photo page before returning it.
Do you have to give your passport details to a hotel?
Yes, common practice, even for guests within the EU. If you feel uncomfortable doing this, email the hotel directly and tell them you will happily present your passport when you check in for a photocopy. This was scary at first but it's actually the law… you have to give your passport to the hotel desk clerk.
They'll take a photo/scan of your passport and give it straight back at checkin. If they want to hold on to your passport as security (if you haven't paid upfront or let them scan a debit/credit card or whatever), that's between you and them. It's not a legal requirement to leave your passport.
This is for security reasons since the police has to know who stays in a hotel and where a person resides in a country, turists included. Joyce Denelsbeck King, yes, of course show! They may ask it to make a copy at hotels, but you are not to leave it with them, of course!
Do You Need an ID to Get a Hotel Room? The requirement for an ID to book and check into a hotel room is a standard practice across the hospitality industry, serving as a foundational element of the hotel's security and guest management protocols.
