It’s very common to have to present your passport when you check into hotels in Europe, for both people if two people are staying. They write down the passport number. There are tourist taxes that have to be paid, so no it doesn’t sound sketchy (I don’t use Airbnb, but seems like they need to have that info and pay that tax)
Thank you for your help. I wasn’t aware. Do I just send a photo of my face and the passport number and block out the rest or does it have to be the whole passport
Did they ask for a picture of you? That would be weird.
I know for ID cards you send a scan of both sides. A passport there is a page they likely want. They'll need all the data on that page. Birth date. Name. Birth place. Nationality.
Italy.
Actually looking at mine the ID number is on the front and back. But you'd still need to photocopy the inside for the other info. It's simple enough to do both the inside and the outside.
Offtopic but Spanish ID cards have the personal number (DNI) on the front, and in Germany there is no "personal number" (except for tax, but that's not on any id cards)
That's not weird at all. It's required in many ~~municipalities~~ places to show a national ID with a photo.
edit: change to "places" since a photo ID is a national or regional law in some places.
What I think is weird is if they asked for a photo of the OP. Sure the photo ID will have a photo but the OP said
" Do I just send a photo of my face "
Many accommodation providers in the EU (hotels, hostels, short-term rentals) try to go easy on their foreign guests by asking for (a photo or scan of) the picture page of the passport , which carries all the required information.
The alternative is completing a form that's often provided in the country's language. You can ask your Greek host for that form, instead of providing your passport. Learning the Greek alphabet and language is fun and will get you off to a great start in Greece.
EDIT: what u/[Minskdhaka](https://www.reddit.com/user/Minskdhaka/) says.
The passport number along with your address, etc is usually needed. I know, it's weird, first time I went to Italy and they wanted it, I thought it was a scam up there with the 'tourist tax' but no, it's all legit.
That’s not the same! Who owns the data after you scan it into this shady app? What if the company who owns the app the Airbnb host chose goes out of business?
There are data breaches at legitimate companies everyday. Why would I want my passport scanned and stored on a server? I have no problem with scanning & keeping a paper copy. It’s a data security issue for me
It is mandatory in Spain, for instance. Had to do it for every single stay whether hotel or airbnb. You can try your drivers license instead and see if they accept that.
Edit for correction: one hotel did not make it mandatory since the front desk was going to be staffed at the time of our arrival and could check it themselves. But outside of that, it was mandatory for check in and to get the access codes to the doors. Like I said, they said passport but seemed OK with the drivers license once that dawned on us right toward the end.
Not a scam. Had to do this for all 3 of my Airbnb stays in Greece (Athens, Mykonos, and Paros) and 1 hotel stay (final night in Athens before our flight home). I think only the Paros airbnb took a photo of my passport (host took the pic when we checked in) but the others I think I only gave my passport number (don't think they asked for a photo); all of them at least needed the passport number. I figured it was a thing related to properly registering foreign visitors/short term rentals/complying with all those laws they may have etc.
It is the law in many countries, but never stop thinking it might be a scam. Based on what you have described I would say not. How many reviews does the property/host have? Any issues?
I think you are safe and I would do it. Greece is incredible have a good time. You might want to visit Rick Steves Europe web site and see what people are saying about Greece. (And if/what scams are being pulled on tourists.) AND if Rick and any audio walking tours of Greece get all of them. They are free. All of his walking tours are 5 star plus.
UPDATE*
Thank you all so much for your support I’m incredibly grateful to all of you who helped calm this first-time travellers nerves. It means a lot I now understand this is common procedure in Europe. Once again thank you all ❤️❤️
I had to do this in every AirBnb in both Italy and Greece. Maybe look up the law they’re citing and see what that says if you’re uncomfortable with it?
It’s fine. I was also nervous at first, but have been to hundreds of hotels and some will ask for passport photo (especially Airbnbs). It’s used to identify the people staying there, or in some countries they need it for official documents. In Europe all hotels are demanded by law to have written down the passport details of all guests (they usually ask at the beginning of the stay). But if you are not going to meet with the host, then they will ask for a photo. Totally normal
I work at a hotel, and usually we need to take the acquired passport info to the local police so they know a foreigner has been staying in the country/town. This is both for security and tax purposes.
The police keeps a records of all foreigners staying at hotels eeltc in case something happens.
My daughters and I spent 11 days at an AirB&B in Rome in February. The first order of business was having a look at our passports and collecting the tourist tax. I'm agreeing with FewBee; it's routine.
I’ve seen this several times in Italy so I’m not surprised, I don’t think it’s a scam (but I might not send the page with the signature just the main passport page)
We had to show copies of our passports in most of the airbnbs we stayed in last year in Europe. Think about it from their perspective, their opening their homes or properties to someone and they want to make sure they are who they say they are. You would have to show an ID at a hotel too I think.
Or Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Colombia. The act of asking for passport details in a very unprofessional and clearly not secure fashion appears to be uniquely Southern European.
Asking for passport details at check in is standard, but I’ve been to 40 countries and the only ones asking over something like email or text/Whatsapp are Southern Europe. For example, I just went to Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, and Croatia. Only the Croatian host asked for details ahead of time. The German hotel just asked for them at check in. The others not at all.
I went to Colombia 5 times last year and Mexico 3. Every single high end hotel I stayed in asked for my passport.
I just did 3 countries in Europe in June and every single place asked for my passport.
I travel A LOT- while not every place asks about 70% of the time they do.
Ah you’re right. I didn’t pay enough attention to the post. I thought it was on arrival.
I was in Greece about 14 months ago and an airbnb absolutely tried to scam me. So the comments to OP are probably correct saying to be Cautious.
Yeah, I (and many others) have mentioned it’s standard at check in. Sending passport details or other secure information ahead of time over things like email or Whatsapp is not, although it is occasionally a request I’ve received. Do a quick Google if you’re not sure why that’s something to he concerned about.
I believe the accommodation in most countries needs to register foreigners. Even if they don't *have to*, it's expected that the host wants to know who are they letting into their house. It's absolutely normal.
I stayed in Airnbn in Italy in 2023 and they never asked for any form of ID because I already have done it on airbnb website by uploading my DL there and they verified it.
I would just message Airbnb support directly and confirm it or at least google the law they mention in the message.
Not sure if this helps, but our Airbnb host in Venice was the only one who asked for it upon arrival, and gave us a receipt because of the Venice tourist tax. I rented four different Airbnbs between Barcelona and in Italy and am going back in few weeks BUT no one asked for it over the airbnb messaging. Just be cautious. 😉🙏
It is mandatory in some countries. Our hosts in Italy had to submit photos of our passports to show that they were following the law and charging tourist tax appropriately. Very common and no need to be worried!
I just ignore it. If they have to confirm my passport details like a hotel then they should be present at check in like a hotel.
Taking passport photo on an app is open to hackers and increase the market for fraudulent activity. Their government needs to be aware of this
The law they cite ‘Article 111 of law 4446/2016 is legit, it’s Greek law and it covers short-term, Air BnB type rentals. Found some details about the regulations here:
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=3b9eb025-6855-4290-b253-ce604b5f4870
Similar situation happened to me on an AirBNB in Hungary with a highly rated host and something didn’t feel right, even though I knew of the laws in certain countries requiring ID. I sent the exchange to AirBNB support and it turned out the host’s email had been hacked and it was a scam. Always message AIrBNB if you have concerns.
I got asked for this by an agency used by the person letting out the apartment. As far as I’m aware , once you have verified your identity with Airbnb you are not obligated to do it again with a third party
Can you not... google the law she's cited?
I mean she's literally provided it.
In hotels, it is common to provide passport or some other form of ID when checking in (it is in Europe).
Never have I had this for an Airbnb but there is a first for everything. She probably wants it so she can properly identify you if you trash the house.
at hotels across all of Europe they normally photocopy mine, at airbnbs in Sweden, Spain, Italy and France they have all asked for photos.. even in Thailand they asked for a photo.. normally research the laws.. I was once asked to hand my passport in as a form of deposit, I refused and said they could have a photo but they didn’t agree so I stayed somewhere else
Even though I’m pretty sure it’s not suspicious, I am surprised to see in the comments that it’s a very common practice.
I’ve stayed in EU countries in Airbnb for 25+ times and no one asked for my passport.
P.S.: Haven’t been in Greece yet.
It’s very likely that your Airbnb hosts were evading local taxes by not reporting your stay to the tax authorities. They are operating beyond the law. I would not want to be staying in illegal tourist loggings because it also means they probably don’t follow the other regulations regarding safety of tourists (fire, theft) or tourists privacy.
Most European countries require ID at registration. The UK didn't. Don't know if it's changed but most of the rest do.
In much of Europe if they don't ask for your ID it's a redflag you're in an illegal rental.
Ha, I mean… The EU I imagine should have a standard for tourists, no matter what Member State you’re traveling too.
As an example… If you travel to China, you gotta show everyone your passport it seems.
Want to see an art gallery? Passport!
Want to check into a hotel? Passport!
Want to stay with Chinese friends / family at their home? Go to the local police station to show them your PASSPORT!
Want to scratch your ass? Passp-I’m kidding.
But for real, first time to China, I got the shits whenever some guard or reception needed my passport. Just to go into a tourist attraction garden or Buddhist temple, paSspOrt!!!!!!
Guard bloke at Mutanyu Great Wall broke my passport holder from its lanyard and I almost lost my mind!
Second time now I’m more chill about it.
So yeah, as an overseas tourist, check the nations rules for tourists in regards to your identity papers and when / where you should be expected to present them.
I personally have refused this both times I’ve been asked in Europe and offered to show them my passport instead.
I don’t know the laws in Greece, but I think some countries are ok with a passport number or photocopy
Even if they have a legitimate need, they need to say that in the listing. I would write a review about this so future travelers can avoid it if they have concerns
In full transparency, one host gave me a couple points off my review because I didn’t give him a photo of my passport. The other didn’t care and gave 5 stars
True, I was being generalist, but in Spain, Portugal, Italy, France & Switzerland it’s certainly a legal requirement to take ID of Airbnb and hotel guests.
I think it’s also because we have national ID cards that we have to use for everything, like buying a fridge freezer or visiting the dentist, so we don’t question it. I’ve always had to show ID checking into hotels. What would help is if Airbnb provided a way to securely share the ID through the app as I know a lot of non-Europeans worry about sharing passport details.
Wow didn't realise you have to share ID to do so much! We don't have national ID cards and we're not required to carry ID cards with us which I know is also a requirement in some countries.
Yes have lived in both France and Spain and remember that. I'm glad I don't have to here, I rarely carry a wallet these days because I can use my phone to pay!
The issue is how the data is being maintained. I have no problem showing my ID in person, as I stated, this is what I always offer. I have an issue loading it to an app that is unencrypted.
I do understand that it is the law in France, and I’m comfortable with French hotels looking at, writing the passport number, or photocopying it. As I mentioned. This is what I offer as an alternative
What I’m not comfortable with is uploading it to an app that is unencrypted. As hosts, they’re required to keep a copy of the ID. If they chose to use an app to make this process easier on themselves rather than photocopying, they need to 1) warn guests ahead of time 2) provide an alternative that is more secure
I understand your concerns. Airbnb should provide a way to do this through the app, however, it’s common practice in Europe to take photos or photocopies of your ID. I can’t imagine how often hotels are ever questioned about their data security policies.
I’ve never had a hotel take a photo, only photocopies that are physically stored on site (and I hope, shredded). That is perfectly okay with me
I also think it would be a good idea for Airbnb to offer this feature, because I would be more likely to trust a large company to set up security features. I believe we already have to scan our ids to sign up for Airbnb
I get it that the hosts are supposed to follow these rules and that this is the law on paper. I’ve also traveled in France extensively and stayed in hotels and airbnbs there often. I only had one French host ever ask about my ID.
TLDR: I have no problem with the concept of providing my ID as long it is not putting me at risk for identity theft etc. if a host wants to cut corners by using an app, they need to notify the guest in the listing and / or provide an alternative
It's a problem with AirBnB and other smaller lodging. A hotel will take the exact same information when you check in but they have front desk staff. AirBnB etc often don't have anyone on site. To speed things up they ask for you to email the photo.
It’s very common to have to present your passport when you check into hotels in Europe, for both people if two people are staying. They write down the passport number. There are tourist taxes that have to be paid, so no it doesn’t sound sketchy (I don’t use Airbnb, but seems like they need to have that info and pay that tax)
Thank you for your help. I wasn’t aware. Do I just send a photo of my face and the passport number and block out the rest or does it have to be the whole passport
Did they ask for a picture of you? That would be weird. I know for ID cards you send a scan of both sides. A passport there is a page they likely want. They'll need all the data on that page. Birth date. Name. Birth place. Nationality.
I believe they only need the front side, document number name age etc.
Of the passport you mean? Here the paper ID cards have the number on the back.
What country? I thought all eu id cards had document number at the front and personal number on the back.
Italy. Actually looking at mine the ID number is on the front and back. But you'd still need to photocopy the inside for the other info. It's simple enough to do both the inside and the outside.
Offtopic but Spanish ID cards have the personal number (DNI) on the front, and in Germany there is no "personal number" (except for tax, but that's not on any id cards)
That's not weird at all. It's required in many ~~municipalities~~ places to show a national ID with a photo. edit: change to "places" since a photo ID is a national or regional law in some places.
What I think is weird is if they asked for a photo of the OP. Sure the photo ID will have a photo but the OP said " Do I just send a photo of my face "
Many accommodation providers in the EU (hotels, hostels, short-term rentals) try to go easy on their foreign guests by asking for (a photo or scan of) the picture page of the passport , which carries all the required information. The alternative is completing a form that's often provided in the country's language. You can ask your Greek host for that form, instead of providing your passport. Learning the Greek alphabet and language is fun and will get you off to a great start in Greece. EDIT: what u/[Minskdhaka](https://www.reddit.com/user/Minskdhaka/) says.
Greek isn't written in the Cyrillic alphabet.
But the Cyrillic alphabet is based off the Greek alphabet, so it shouldn't be too hard /s
Thanks Sheldon
It’s not for identification. It’s so the police can identify you if you trash the place.
Whole passport
The passport number along with your address, etc is usually needed. I know, it's weird, first time I went to Italy and they wanted it, I thought it was a scam up there with the 'tourist tax' but no, it's all legit.
Just the pic of the biodata page should be fine.
If you don't use AIR BNB don't give asvice then!!
The laws are the same regarding the tourist tax, run along weirdo
Showing a hotel front desk your ID & them writing down the numbers is not the same as loading a photo of your ID into an unencrypted app
It’s extremely common for the hotel to take your passport and scan it
That’s not the same! Who owns the data after you scan it into this shady app? What if the company who owns the app the Airbnb host chose goes out of business? There are data breaches at legitimate companies everyday. Why would I want my passport scanned and stored on a server? I have no problem with scanning & keeping a paper copy. It’s a data security issue for me
You have no idea where your passport data is stored when it’s scanned at the hotel.
Well don't use Airbnb is all I can tell ya
It is mandatory in Spain, for instance. Had to do it for every single stay whether hotel or airbnb. You can try your drivers license instead and see if they accept that. Edit for correction: one hotel did not make it mandatory since the front desk was going to be staffed at the time of our arrival and could check it themselves. But outside of that, it was mandatory for check in and to get the access codes to the doors. Like I said, they said passport but seemed OK with the drivers license once that dawned on us right toward the end.
Okay if it’s mandatory fair enough, just didn’t want my identity stolen hahaha thank you so much for your help and advice, means a lot ❤️
Better passport than drivers license. Drivers license usually has home address - passport does not.
Yes, this is common in Europe and often is required by law.
Okay thank you for the confirmation ❤️
No it's not!
lol it is. Just because you've not experienced it, doesn't mean contrary.
Not a scam. Had to do this for all 3 of my Airbnb stays in Greece (Athens, Mykonos, and Paros) and 1 hotel stay (final night in Athens before our flight home). I think only the Paros airbnb took a photo of my passport (host took the pic when we checked in) but the others I think I only gave my passport number (don't think they asked for a photo); all of them at least needed the passport number. I figured it was a thing related to properly registering foreign visitors/short term rentals/complying with all those laws they may have etc.
Thank you so much means the world to me. I’ve just never been overseas before and have no idea how this works so I’m being extra cautious
It is the law in many countries, but never stop thinking it might be a scam. Based on what you have described I would say not. How many reviews does the property/host have? Any issues?
It had good reviews and didn’t see any issues in the reviews
I think you are safe and I would do it. Greece is incredible have a good time. You might want to visit Rick Steves Europe web site and see what people are saying about Greece. (And if/what scams are being pulled on tourists.) AND if Rick and any audio walking tours of Greece get all of them. They are free. All of his walking tours are 5 star plus.
UPDATE* Thank you all so much for your support I’m incredibly grateful to all of you who helped calm this first-time travellers nerves. It means a lot I now understand this is common procedure in Europe. Once again thank you all ❤️❤️
Enjoy your trip :)
Enjoy your stay!
Also happens here in the US.
I have always shown my passport to hosts, so in my experience this is normal.
Had to do this in Europe for every check in, however I presented it in person
I had to do this in every AirBnb in both Italy and Greece. Maybe look up the law they’re citing and see what that says if you’re uncomfortable with it?
Had give passport info in Spain it’s normal
Same in Italy.
It’s fine. I was also nervous at first, but have been to hundreds of hotels and some will ask for passport photo (especially Airbnbs). It’s used to identify the people staying there, or in some countries they need it for official documents. In Europe all hotels are demanded by law to have written down the passport details of all guests (they usually ask at the beginning of the stay). But if you are not going to meet with the host, then they will ask for a photo. Totally normal
Travel to Greece often (6 times a year) standard for Greece and most EU countries. Nothing to worry about
Thank you so much
I work at a hotel, and usually we need to take the acquired passport info to the local police so they know a foreigner has been staying in the country/town. This is both for security and tax purposes. The police keeps a records of all foreigners staying at hotels eeltc in case something happens.
Very common practice in Europe.
It’s kinda obligatory in Europe. For tax purposes and security reasons
They told you the law right there. You can look it up yourself
Just had to do this in Croatia. They have to register it with the local tourism board.
Greek American here, with family in Greece. Yes this is normal
My daughters and I spent 11 days at an AirB&B in Rome in February. The first order of business was having a look at our passports and collecting the tourist tax. I'm agreeing with FewBee; it's routine.
I’ve seen this several times in Italy so I’m not surprised, I don’t think it’s a scam (but I might not send the page with the signature just the main passport page)
Seems normal. I'm currently in Italy and they have the same practice here.
We had to show copies of our passports in most of the airbnbs we stayed in last year in Europe. Think about it from their perspective, their opening their homes or properties to someone and they want to make sure they are who they say they are. You would have to show an ID at a hotel too I think.
this person literally wrote you exact state rule he has to obide and you still think he is ripping off your privacy jesus christ
Well I’m just an idiot I’ve never been travelling overseas before I’m sorry don’t need to be so aggressive.
Better safe than sorry, you were right to ask here.
Lighten up Francis
Yeah, a scammer would never think to do that!
yeah and? he can't do anything with picture of your passport
Yes they can? Give it a quick Google.
This is standard everywhere
I've stayed in 7 different hotels in the Netherlands and 2 in Germany, none of which asked.
Not in North America
lol…. Okay so 3 countries out of 195?!
Or Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Colombia. The act of asking for passport details in a very unprofessional and clearly not secure fashion appears to be uniquely Southern European. Asking for passport details at check in is standard, but I’ve been to 40 countries and the only ones asking over something like email or text/Whatsapp are Southern Europe. For example, I just went to Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, and Croatia. Only the Croatian host asked for details ahead of time. The German hotel just asked for them at check in. The others not at all.
I went to Colombia 5 times last year and Mexico 3. Every single high end hotel I stayed in asked for my passport. I just did 3 countries in Europe in June and every single place asked for my passport. I travel A LOT- while not every place asks about 70% of the time they do.
Asking at check in is standard. The asking ahead of time over non-secure platforms is not.
Ah you’re right. I didn’t pay enough attention to the post. I thought it was on arrival. I was in Greece about 14 months ago and an airbnb absolutely tried to scam me. So the comments to OP are probably correct saying to be Cautious.
I have given my passport/DL to any hotel I have ever checked into all over the world.
Yeah, I (and many others) have mentioned it’s standard at check in. Sending passport details or other secure information ahead of time over things like email or Whatsapp is not, although it is occasionally a request I’ve received. Do a quick Google if you’re not sure why that’s something to he concerned about.
What are you talking about? First thing they ask for is your ID when you check in.
Not in Airbnb. I have never given my passport to any Airbnb in Canada/USA.
Didn’t you give ID info to the platform when you signed up?
I can't recall giving my passport info. I might have added driving license but I can't remember what I did 9 years ago.
Probably not.
It's for tax purposes
No this is normal for tourists coming here
I believe the accommodation in most countries needs to register foreigners. Even if they don't *have to*, it's expected that the host wants to know who are they letting into their house. It's absolutely normal.
Had to do this in a hostel in Thailand.
Yeah same as when you check into a mid level hotel
They want a copy of passport for everything; hotel check-in, car rental, Airbnb. It’s like your driver’s license 🪪 here.
No, I think it might be a law? I’ve always had to show my passport hotel or apartment rental
Some countries in Europe it's a requirement so the hotel can register you with the authorities and tk make sure you're paying city tax
I stayed in Airnbn in Italy in 2023 and they never asked for any form of ID because I already have done it on airbnb website by uploading my DL there and they verified it. I would just message Airbnb support directly and confirm it or at least google the law they mention in the message.
We had to provide picture (drivers license) when we booked an AirBNB is the US
Not at all sus. Common practice at hotels and airbnbs in Europe.
I’ve always had to show my identification first thing at any hotel/AirBNB, as well as tell the country I’m visiting where I am staying…
No
I had to do it for my host in Rome.
Its typical. They were asking when I went last year
Not sure if this helps, but our Airbnb host in Venice was the only one who asked for it upon arrival, and gave us a receipt because of the Venice tourist tax. I rented four different Airbnbs between Barcelona and in Italy and am going back in few weeks BUT no one asked for it over the airbnb messaging. Just be cautious. 😉🙏
No not suspicious. Every air bnb and hotel asked for passport when I was in Italy! They often took a picture
I believe it is against GDPR
It is mandatory in some countries. Our hosts in Italy had to submit photos of our passports to show that they were following the law and charging tourist tax appropriately. Very common and no need to be worried!
I just ignore it. If they have to confirm my passport details like a hotel then they should be present at check in like a hotel. Taking passport photo on an app is open to hackers and increase the market for fraudulent activity. Their government needs to be aware of this
The law they cite ‘Article 111 of law 4446/2016 is legit, it’s Greek law and it covers short-term, Air BnB type rentals. Found some details about the regulations here: https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=3b9eb025-6855-4290-b253-ce604b5f4870
No
Nope.
Similar situation happened to me on an AirBNB in Hungary with a highly rated host and something didn’t feel right, even though I knew of the laws in certain countries requiring ID. I sent the exchange to AirBNB support and it turned out the host’s email had been hacked and it was a scam. Always message AIrBNB if you have concerns.
I have a cabin in Türkiye we Airbnb and the laws require us to get the passport numbers and submit it to the government
I was NEVER asked to do that on air bnb ans I use them a looot - every time I travel somewhere. 🤷
Almost every out of country Airbnb asks for my passport. Inside the states most just ask for drivers license
I got asked for this by an agency used by the person letting out the apartment. As far as I’m aware , once you have verified your identity with Airbnb you are not obligated to do it again with a third party
Can you not... google the law she's cited? I mean she's literally provided it. In hotels, it is common to provide passport or some other form of ID when checking in (it is in Europe). Never have I had this for an Airbnb but there is a first for everything. She probably wants it so she can properly identify you if you trash the house.
Yes. Had one do that and while it was mot a scam the guy was a nightmare and broke air bnb rules left and right because he thought he knew better
You're required by law to show them and in many places to have them on your person. Google is your friend
Italy has a similar law.
at hotels across all of Europe they normally photocopy mine, at airbnbs in Sweden, Spain, Italy and France they have all asked for photos.. even in Thailand they asked for a photo.. normally research the laws.. I was once asked to hand my passport in as a form of deposit, I refused and said they could have a photo but they didn’t agree so I stayed somewhere else
Even though I’m pretty sure it’s not suspicious, I am surprised to see in the comments that it’s a very common practice. I’ve stayed in EU countries in Airbnb for 25+ times and no one asked for my passport. P.S.: Haven’t been in Greece yet.
It’s very likely that your Airbnb hosts were evading local taxes by not reporting your stay to the tax authorities. They are operating beyond the law. I would not want to be staying in illegal tourist loggings because it also means they probably don’t follow the other regulations regarding safety of tourists (fire, theft) or tourists privacy.
Well, that’s something I didn’t know about. Thanks!
It's not an EU law, it's a Greek law (and other countries, but local laws). I live in EU and it's not a law in my country.
Me too actually and I haven't heard about this practice in my country. I don't know why I'm getting downvoted then lol
Here's an upvote:)
Aww, thanks! <3
>Aww, thanks! <3 You're welcome!
Most European countries require ID at registration. The UK didn't. Don't know if it's changed but most of the rest do. In much of Europe if they don't ask for your ID it's a redflag you're in an illegal rental.
Sounds legitimate but you can call the Greek Embassy in Washington or a Greek consulate to find out if the law they’re talking about is real.
I looked up the law online and I think it it is real
Airbnb should build these functions inside Airbnb instead of sending such PII to some random email to be kept.
Never want airbnb to know that information about me
They already can collect those information as is.
The host asked about it through the app. If you respond through AirBNB they’ll have the info, too… Messages aren’t secure and look sketchy as hell.
I think it is very suspicious. You have to show this or a drivers license to Airbnb to verify yourself. That’s it, usually in my experience
I wouldnt send them photo tho just the passport number fuck that
No different than any hotel
Ha, I mean… The EU I imagine should have a standard for tourists, no matter what Member State you’re traveling too. As an example… If you travel to China, you gotta show everyone your passport it seems. Want to see an art gallery? Passport! Want to check into a hotel? Passport! Want to stay with Chinese friends / family at their home? Go to the local police station to show them your PASSPORT! Want to scratch your ass? Passp-I’m kidding. But for real, first time to China, I got the shits whenever some guard or reception needed my passport. Just to go into a tourist attraction garden or Buddhist temple, paSspOrt!!!!!! Guard bloke at Mutanyu Great Wall broke my passport holder from its lanyard and I almost lost my mind! Second time now I’m more chill about it. So yeah, as an overseas tourist, check the nations rules for tourists in regards to your identity papers and when / where you should be expected to present them.
I’ve never had to show ID when booking air bnb.
I personally have refused this both times I’ve been asked in Europe and offered to show them my passport instead. I don’t know the laws in Greece, but I think some countries are ok with a passport number or photocopy Even if they have a legitimate need, they need to say that in the listing. I would write a review about this so future travelers can avoid it if they have concerns In full transparency, one host gave me a couple points off my review because I didn’t give him a photo of my passport. The other didn’t care and gave 5 stars
You realise this is law in Europe don’t you? With a user name that suggests you know something about France I would think you’d know this?
It depends on the country. There are no "europe" wide laws but there are EU wide laws. This isn't one of them.
True, I was being generalist, but in Spain, Portugal, Italy, France & Switzerland it’s certainly a legal requirement to take ID of Airbnb and hotel guests.
Definitely, it seems to be more common on the continent for whatever reason.
I think it’s also because we have national ID cards that we have to use for everything, like buying a fridge freezer or visiting the dentist, so we don’t question it. I’ve always had to show ID checking into hotels. What would help is if Airbnb provided a way to securely share the ID through the app as I know a lot of non-Europeans worry about sharing passport details.
Wow didn't realise you have to share ID to do so much! We don't have national ID cards and we're not required to carry ID cards with us which I know is also a requirement in some countries.
Yup I’m in Spain and we are supposed to always carry them, same in Germany, Belgium, France.
Yes have lived in both France and Spain and remember that. I'm glad I don't have to here, I rarely carry a wallet these days because I can use my phone to pay!
The issue is how the data is being maintained. I have no problem showing my ID in person, as I stated, this is what I always offer. I have an issue loading it to an app that is unencrypted.
I do understand that it is the law in France, and I’m comfortable with French hotels looking at, writing the passport number, or photocopying it. As I mentioned. This is what I offer as an alternative What I’m not comfortable with is uploading it to an app that is unencrypted. As hosts, they’re required to keep a copy of the ID. If they chose to use an app to make this process easier on themselves rather than photocopying, they need to 1) warn guests ahead of time 2) provide an alternative that is more secure
I understand your concerns. Airbnb should provide a way to do this through the app, however, it’s common practice in Europe to take photos or photocopies of your ID. I can’t imagine how often hotels are ever questioned about their data security policies.
I’ve never had a hotel take a photo, only photocopies that are physically stored on site (and I hope, shredded). That is perfectly okay with me I also think it would be a good idea for Airbnb to offer this feature, because I would be more likely to trust a large company to set up security features. I believe we already have to scan our ids to sign up for Airbnb I get it that the hosts are supposed to follow these rules and that this is the law on paper. I’ve also traveled in France extensively and stayed in hotels and airbnbs there often. I only had one French host ever ask about my ID. TLDR: I have no problem with the concept of providing my ID as long it is not putting me at risk for identity theft etc. if a host wants to cut corners by using an app, they need to notify the guest in the listing and / or provide an alternative
lol downvotes bc I care about cyber security 🤷♀️
It's a problem with AirBnB and other smaller lodging. A hotel will take the exact same information when you check in but they have front desk staff. AirBnB etc often don't have anyone on site. To speed things up they ask for you to email the photo.
Airbnb wants your money. They don’t care what country you’re in or what their rules are
Ya and every so often they get hauled into court. Then they do care about the rules.
Don’t send it, let them make a copy when you arrive.
What if it’s keyless entry? It’s a legal requirement to take the ID here in Europe.
Then you are stuck and have to email a copy…..