Why Do Hotels Take Your Passport?

Why Do Hotels Take Your Passport
Passport might as well be “password.” Credit: Getty Images/Tetra images RF Benjamin Braddock begins his affair with Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate by nervously checking into a hotel under the name Mr. Gladstone. After all, in our cultural imagination, booking a room in a hotel is a refuge for anonymity, and often, the vice that comes along with it.

But that’s certainly not the case today — if it ever was, beyond the silver screen.
On Friday, Marriott provided an update on the 4-years-long data breach of its Starwood database announced in November.
In the breach, hackers were able to access the *unencrypted* passport numbers of more than 5 million hotel guests.

That’s worrisome for a lot of reasons. Chief among them: The Chinese government is the primary suspect in the hack, and those passport numbers would likely be used to spy on people’s movements and associations across the globe. But what was Marriott doing with passport numbers in the first place? Why have hotels — which used to stand for a way to escape — become yet another data repository for tracking our every movement? Mostly, it’s not actually the fault of hotels.

The decision to both collect and store ID information including passports originates with the government in whatever location a hotel is.
That idea of a hotel as a place you can go and be anonymous isn’t universally true,” Katie Moussouris (opens in a new tab), security expert and CEO of LutaSecurity, a company that helps governments design bug bounties, said.

“A lot of the motivation behind it is for law enforcement purposes.” With or without a hack from a hostile foreign power, hotels are a way governments around the world can keep tabs on citizens, wherever they go. When asked why Marriott stored guests’ passport information in the first place, the chain told Mashable via email that it did so to comply with local law.

Passports are requested at the local hotel level and that request is governed in part by country, state or, in some cases, city-specific regulations — which is why there isn’t a universal process or policy in place.
Marriott also stated that it does not store passport information in a central database, and that it has phased out the Starwood database that did.

While Starwood retained this information in their central reservation system, Marriott’s central reservation system does not store passport information on our central reservations system — instead, that information can be collected and retained at the local hotel level.

As indicated in the release, the company has phased out the operation of the Starwood reservation database, effective the end of 2018. Experts say this reasoning makes sense. 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. “It’s the fact that it might need to be checked against a criminal database, and different countries vary in their regulations about that,” Moussouris said.

The European Union requires (opens in a new tab) hotels in member states to collect passport information. However, what they do with that information varies. For example, in Italy, hotels automatically give this to the authorities. But that’s not the case throughout Europe. Policy on ID collection varies between cities and states in the US.

Complying with local law is a reason for collecting and storing that information — but it may not be the only motivation. “That’s done for a wide variety of reasons,” Rebecca Herold, a top information security expert and consultant to multinational corporations who’s also known as “The Privacy Professor,” said.

In addition to having a database of guests and their associated passport identifiers in case anything goes wrong, law enforcement may want to have identity information on hand so that it can track how long someone is staying in the country, especially if they have a limited travel or work visa.
Ever since 9/11, the tracking of folks from other countries has become much more prevalent,” Herold said.

“As time goes on and more terrorist activities occur, then more collection of information about people from other countries is being required, especially at the state and local level.” But Herold said hotels themselves may want ID information, too. With passports or other government IDs, hotels can always track down visitors, so they can collect payment on outstanding charges.

They may want to run background checks to prohibit certain people from staying with them. And having guests in a centralized database may be helpful so that — in the case of a massive chain like Marriott with multiple seemingly disparate properties — the behavior, background, and expenses of guests follow them as they check in around the world.

“Passports are the only consistent type of identification that exists world wide.” “With a huge hotel like Marriott, they have so many locations under so many different names, that’s how they can keep track of the different guests that are coming in and out of their environment, in addition to meeting the country laws,” Herold said.

Passports are the only consistent type of identification that exists world wide.” Marriott said it collects ID data for reservations, and to comply with local law.
But “complying with local law” is now trickier than it once was.
Thanks to the GDPR and other data privacy laws under consideration, if a company collects customers’ data, they also have the obligation to protect it.

“If there are laws requiring that you store personally identifiable information, and there are laws that you keep it safe and private, what are global companies doing right now to audit and insure that they are capable of meeting those requirements?” Moussouris asked.

“There needs to be some sort of practical middle ground where appropriate data security and privacy measures are universally applied in places that are required to store this information.” In the case of Marriott’s Starwood breach, that’s where the rubber has hit the road. Today, it may not be possible to have a Graduate -esque fake-name affair in a high-class hotel.

But it should still be possible to check in, and out, without fear of undue surveillance and identity theft. Rachel Kraus is a Mashable Tech Reporter specializing in health and wellness. She is an LA native, NYU j-school graduate, and writes cultural commentary across the internetz. By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications from Mashable that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content.

Is it normal for hotels to keep your passport?

Is it common for hotels to hold your passport? – Venice Forum Level Contributor 407 posts Is it common for hotels to hold your passport? 12 years ago Can’t they just take a photocopy of it and return it immediately? I don’t want anyone holding my passport. Level Contributor 111,206 posts 17 reviews 20 helpful votes 1. Re: Is it common for hotels to hold your passport? 12 years ago It is part of the way things are done in, 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. Contributor 17,790 posts 2. Re: Is it common for hotels to hold your passport? 12 years ago If you want them to use a photocopy, take your own to give to them. The fear of having a hotel hold a passport for a few hours strikes me as paranoid. Level Contributor 4,276 posts 105 reviews 96 helpful votes 3. Re: Is it common for hotels to hold your passport? 12 years ago In any case of course take at least one copy of your passport, you would not be able to go through passport control with it, but it would give you a big head start at the consulate to get a replacement document. The hotel desk is probably one of the safest places for your passport, unless you put in a safe, but they will not keep it more than they need it Level Contributor 362 posts 85 reviews 94 helpful votes 4. Re: Is it common for hotels to hold your passport? 12 years ago I do not think Tex is paranoid. As an American I am very aware that American passports are a very hot commodity right now. Identity theft is also on the rise. I am glad To hear about this before my possible trip to but it does seem unusual. Level Contributor 111,206 posts 17 reviews 20 helpful votes 5. Re: Is it common for hotels to hold your passport? 12 years ago I don’t believe that passports from any country are a hot commodity. It is impossible to change the identity page without destroying it. Nor do I see how a passport will help with identity theft. >>it does seem unusual.<< No. It is the way things are done in, and there is a very usual, everyday, unremarkable occurrence. Level Contributor 53,485 posts 88 reviews 83 helpful votes 6. Re: Is it common for hotels to hold your passport? 12 years ago I give my passport over as a matter of course,it is law that they have to have your details, if they are not busy they take the information while you wait,and return it to you on the spot, Level Contributor 5,259 posts 7 reviews 4 helpful votes 7. Re: Is it common for hotels to hold your passport? 12 years ago I have been travelling to since the sixties and for as long as I remember I have handed over my passport to reception at hotels without a qualm. I have never heard of a case of a passport going missing this way, I agree with Zerlina - it seems like paranoia. Level Contributor 4,161 posts 36 reviews 28 helpful votes 8. Re: Is it common for hotels to hold your passport? 12 years ago Just because "it's the way things are done" does not make it right. Hotels in are required by law to register you details. For that they will require your passport, but they do not need to retain it. You can insist that they photocopy or record your details and hand back your passport while you wait. If they are busy, they will do it quicker. I have seen passports sitting on an unattended reception desk in one Italian hotel. The issue for me is not so much identity theft as the problem it will cause me if it goes missing, or i leave without collecting it next morning. Incidently, The Australian Government considers that identify theft costs the Australian community $1 billion per year, and that lost or stolen passports provide criminals with the opportunity to assume another identity, to travel illegally and to commit other crimes. Level Contributor 10,931 posts 46 reviews 50 helpful votes 9. Re: Is it common for hotels to hold your passport? 12 years ago At least everybody is registered in which is more than I can say for some countries. The registering is now quicker than it used to be and often they get you to sign there and then for the registration and take the details from your passport in front of you, In the past it was longer as more info was taken. Then the hotel had to take the slips to the questura.It was long and drawn out. It is quite easy just to say I will wait and so your check in takes that bit longer ( don't come whinging on here afterwards!!!!). If you have a photocopy you could leave that - I have never seen it done yet ! Level Contributor 34,030 posts 16 reviews 9 helpful votes 10. Re: Is it common for hotels to hold your passport? 12 years ago What do you think they are going to do with your passport, I have travelled in since the early sixties and its standard practise; that is unless you are a " White Slaver" !! 🙂 : Is it common for hotels to hold your passport? - Venice Forum

Can a hotel ask for a copy of your passport?

Yes, it is normal for the hotel to ask for your passport in advance. They check your Id proof at the time of check-in and generally keep a photocopy of the same with them for records. Any other document shouldn’t be shared.

Should I keep my passport with me or in the hotel?

Leave your passport at the hotel. – You don’t need to bring your passport around with you. Business Insider Video Though your passport is a form of I.D., you probably won’t need to tote it around with you all day once you’ve reached your destination. 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.

Your secondary form of ID — a driver’s license, non-driver identification card — and a copy of your passport are perfect to carry around with you and will most likely be all you’ll need.
Leaving your passport at home comes with another benefit: You’ll be able to better protect it from anything that might ruin the pages, like humid weather or water.

Invest in a waterproof cover for wetter places; water damage can make information-based pages unreadable and will require you to get a replacement.

Why do hotels need my ID?

Hotels ask for ID to ensure the safety and security of their guests. It is a way to verify that the person checking in is actually who they say they are, and it helps protect against fraud or identity theft.

Do European hotels keep your passport?

Many European hotels check your passport in addition to asking for a credit card for incidentals. In most cases, you only need to show your passport at check in, or, rarely, leave it overnight.

Should I carry my passport or leave it in my room?

Carry Your Passport on Your Person Only if Needed – You should only carry your passport with you when you need it – otherwise, it should stay locked up. If you’re going to take your passport with you, always keep it in a location that is hard to get to.

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. Here is a selection of travel bags and security day packs with anti-theft features.

If you don’t want to invest in special travel security products and are using a bag make sure it’s a crossbody shoulder bag or a waist pack and keep the bag in front of you with all zippers and snaps closed up at all times.

Is it normal for Airbnb to ask for copy of passport?

What we may ask you for – As part of the identity verification process, we may ask you to provide us with:

Legal name, address and/or other personal information: In some cases, these are sufficient for us to verify your identity. Photo of your government ID: This could be a driving license, passport, identity card or visa. Learn more about types of government ID, Selfie: We may need to ask you for a photograph along with your government ID. If you can’t provide a selfie that matches your government ID, you can contact us for an alternative verification method.

Verifying your identity in your account settings You can verify your ID in your account settings by submitting a photo of your Government ID. You can do this when setting up an account – or when updating your account details. Note: Identity verification by Airbnb isn’t an endorsement, a guarantee of someone’s identity or an assurance that interacting with them will be safe.

Do German hotels take your passport?

European hotels must ask for passports – Why Do Hotels Take Your Passport Photostock/Shutterstock When checking into a hotel in Europe, the front desk folks will ask you for your passport because they are required by law to do so. According to Traveller, it is required for local authorities to know who is staying on the premises at all times.

The outlet explains that it is necessary, in part, in case of emergencies, like if someone needs to be located after an incident. Each part of Europe will have its own legislation around the legality of passport information collecting. For example, The Immigration (Hotel Records) Order of 1972 for the United Kingdom states that every guest over 16 must provide a passport, and guests must additionally explain where they will go after departing the premises.

Additionally, the hotels must keep a 12-month record of each guest, per the law. So, whatever you do, don’t bury your passport after customs at the airport. Otherwise, you will be digging in your bag for it in the lobby, which is never fun.

Does booking com ask for passport?

No, you can make a booking without your passport details. Your passport number may, however, be needed at the time of online check-in. Please note that if you are travelling to, from or via the United States, you need to give advance passenger information (passport details and the full address of your first night’s accommodation in the US).

Where do you put your passport in a hotel?

Secure Your Passport In Your Hotel Room – 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.

Is it safe to take a picture of your passport?

Exposing yourself to identity theft: – Having your passport in your photos might be handy for when you need to fill in a form and enter your passport details, but saving a photo of your passport page opens you up to accidentally sending someone the photo.

If you’re bragging about your all-inclusive trip to Greece, your latest photo dump might not be the only thing you share. Important details can always find a way onto social media. Put it this way, if you lose your phone or it gets stolen, you’ll lose more than just your handset. Think about all of the personal information your passport has – your full name, date of birth and passport number is the golden ticket for identity thieves.

With access to these details, a criminal could open bank accounts in your name, apply for credit, or use your details to commit identity theft. Having access to your passport picture alone can lead to criminals selling off your passport details on the dark web.

Is it okay to walk in passport?

Why Do Hotels Take Your Passport If you plan to travel abroad, there’s one identity document (ID) that you can’t leave without: your passport. This travel document verifies your identity and citizenship, so you must bring it with you whenever you go out of the country. In the Philippines, the passport is issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

If you’re 18 years old or older, your passport will be valid for 10 years,
If you’re below 18, it will be valid for five years.
Applying for or renewing your passport is simple, but it’s easy to miss a step or two if you do not know what requirements are needed to get a passport.
This guide will walk you through the requirements and procedures in applying for or renewing your DFA passport.

Requirements for New Passport Application Adult Applicants If you’re 18 years old or older and you’re applying for a new passport, there are a few documents you need to present:

Accomplished application form
PSA-authenticated birth certificate on security paper (Note: The Local Civil Registrar copy is required if the PSA birth certificate is not clear.)
Any of the following IDs:
- Social Security System (SSS) card
- Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) card
- Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card
- Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver’s License (Note: Student Permit in card format is accepted.)
- For other accepted IDs, click here
If you’re a married female applicant using your spouse’s last name, you will also need to present your PSA-authenticated marriage certificate on security paper or Report of Marriage. On the other hand, if you opt to retain your maiden name, you are not required to present a marriage certificate. Nevertheless, additional DFA passport requirements may be requested from you.

Minor Applicants If you’re an applicant below 18 years old, the DFA passport application requirements include the following:

Accomplished application form
PSA-authenticated birth certificate on security paper (Note: The Local Civil Registrar copy is required if the PSA birth certificate is not clear.)
School ID or Certificate of Enrolment containing the applicant’s photo and the school’s dry seal (if applicable)

The DFA requires that all IDs to be presented must be readable and untampered, and contain the same information as the documents presented for the application. You must present the original copy and photocopy of the required IDs and supporting documents during the scheduled appointment date.

Set a passport application appointment online through the official DFA website, During the online appointment process, the system will only hold your slot for 20-30 minutes. If you don’t finish your online application within that period, you may lose your slot. The appointment slots for new passport applications may be limited. For instance, if you’re applying in June, the earliest slot you might find is late August, early September, or later. If you have a scheduled overseas trip, it’s in your best interest to work on your application several months before your flight. Since the DFA doesn’t allow walk-in applications, you could try scheduling an appointment in another branch if there are no available slots in the nearest DFA office.
On the page titled Application Information, select “NEW” in the Application Type dropdown menu. Next, fill out the online application form.
After completing the application form, pay the processing fee online. Regular processing costs P950.00 and takes 12 working days. Special processing costs P1,200.00 and takes six working days (within Metro Manila) or seven working days (outside of Metro Manila) to be completed.
After paying the processing fee, you will receive a payment reference number through email together with the transaction receipt, a copy of your application form, and the passport application checklist. Print these documents on A4 paper and bring them on the day of your appointment.
Go to the DFA on your appointment date with the required documents. Ideally, you should be at the venue 30 minutes before your schedule since the DFA won’t accommodate late arrivals. Other Reminders:
- Follow the dress code. Earrings, necklaces, and colored contact lenses are not allowed during photo capturing.
- Minor applicants must be accompanied by either parent or an authorized adult companion.

Requirements for Passport Renewal Application Adult Applicants Passport renewal is only necessary if you plan to travel. Unless you often travel overseas or intend to use your passport as your primary ID, you don’t need to have it renewed every time it expires.

Accomplished application form
Current ePassport and photocopy of the data page
If you’re a married female applicant who changed your last name, you must present the following:

PSA- authenticated marriage certificate
Annotated PSA birth certificate
Annotated PSA marriage certificate to show annulment, divorce, or court-ordered instruction
PSA death certificate (if applicable) of your spouse

On the other hand, if you opted to retain your maiden name, you are not required to present a marriage certificate. Nevertheless, additional DFA passport renewal requirements may be requested from you. Minor Applicants Just like the process for adult applicants, minor applicants are required to book an online appointment with the DFA before proceeding with the renewal process.

Minors who are 7 years old or below must be accompanied by their parents, legal guardian, or authorized representative. Here are the documentary requirements for applicants below 18 years of age: You must present the original copy and photocopy of the required IDs and supporting documents during the scheduled appointment date.

Also, be prepared in case the DFA requests additional supporting documents. If you’re renewing your passport overseas, you may use your host government-issued IDs showing your Philippine citizenship, such as your Residence Card. How to Apply for Passport Renewal The steps for passport renewal application are similar to the passport application procedure, except for a few differences.

Set a passport application appointment online through the official DFA website,
On the page titled Application Information, select “RENEWAL” in the Application Type dropdown menu. Next, fill out the online application form.
After completing the application form, pay the processing fee online. Regular processing costs P950.00 while special processing costs P1,200.00.
After paying the processing fee, you will receive a payment reference number through email together with the transaction receipt, a copy of your application form, and the passport renewal checklist. Print these documents on A4 paper and bring them on the day of your appointment.
Go to the DFA on your appointment date with the required documents. Ideally, you should be at the venue 30 minutes before your schedule since the DFA won’t accommodate late arrivals.

Other Reminders:

Follow the dress code. Earrings, necklaces, and colored contact lenses are not allowed during photo capturing.
Minor applicants must be accompanied by either parent or an authorized adult companion.

Process Your Passport Application or Renewal Without the Hassle Your passport is an important document you should always bring with you when you travel. Whether you’re renewing your passport or applying for a new one, be sure to follow the steps above to avoid the hassle.

Does hotel verify your ID?

Reviewed this property GeetSaw Gurugram (Gurgaon), India Helpful answer 0 Votes Not as helpful All guests are required to show their ids (a copy of which is retained by the hotel) during check-in. This is part of the Govt regulations which are bound to be followed. Problem with this answer?

Do hotels look at your ID?

Hotels check for identification to ensure that the person checking in is who they say they are. This helps protect both the hotel and its guests from any potential fraud or identity theft. Hotels will typically ask for a valid government-issued ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID card.

Do all hotels scan IDs?

Is It Possible To Rent The Hotel You Want Without An Id? – Hotel management may need to verify your identity to confirm that you’re the person you say you are. This helps to prevent fraudulent activities that could cause chargebacks or legal issues for the hotel.

Answers to the question differ between hotels next, but most hotels require proof of identification from guests. This usually means an official driver’s license or passport. There are a few exceptions to this. However, some luxury hotels don’t require IDs. In these instances, you may be able to check in using your credit card along with an image of you.

Some hotels also require you must be a minimum of 18 years of age to be able to enter the hotel. The reason is that minors are not legally entitled to any rights and can’t sign the contract alone. Furthermore, if you are not yet 18 and have signed an agreement with a hotel and the hotel has a chance to lose money should you leave the hotel and not pay the amount due.

Do you go through passport control in EU?

What is it? – The Schengen area is a travel zone without borders between the 27 Schengen countries. It allows EU nationals and many non-EU nationals to travel freely without border checks. Since 1985, it’s kept growing, and now covers almost all EU countries and a few non-EU countries (Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland).

It guarantees free movement to more than 400 million EU nationals.
Any person, irrespective of nationality, can travel between Schengen countries without going through border checks.
However, national authorities can carry out police checks at borders between these countries and in border areas.
Having abolished their internal borders, Schengen countries have also tightened controls at their common external borders on the basis of Schengen rules to ensure the security of those living or travelling in the Schengen area.

See all the Schengen countries

Should I leave my passport in the hotel in London?

Passports are one of the most important items when travelling and there can be so many different rules regarding them. The internet is filled with debates on whether you should or shouldn’t carry your passport. Should you keep your passport with you in London? The times you should keep your passport with you are; at the airport, international train station, checking in to a hotel or hostel, changing money, hiring a car, picking up event tickets, buying alcohol or proving you’re old enough to get into a pub or club.

Your licence can suffice as proof but some companies can be sceptical whether it’s real or a fake licence if you are providing an international version.
There have been times when I’ve tried to buy alcohol on my Australian licences and have been rejected.
Disclaimer: Hi! this post may contain affiliate links which will take you to online retailers that sell products and services.

If you click on one and buy something, I may earn a commission, see my Affiliate Disclosure for more details. There is a counter-argument that you don’t need to bring any ID with you when you are in the UK but I disagree, especially if you are driving or younger-looking and plan on buying alcohol or are heading to a pub, bar or club.

Of course, if you aren’t driving or no longer get asked to prove your age then it’s purely your choice if you bring ID. I don’t carry my passport with me unless it is required, instead, I carry my licence in my wallet. I’m in my late 20’s and I still to this day get asked to prove my age, the easiest way to do this is with my UK licence.

Before I got my UK licence I was using my Australia licence as proof for my age. However, any time I needed to go to the bank I also had to bring my passport to prove who I was.

Do hotels in Spain take your passport?

Spanish holidaymakers are being reminded that they shouldn’t leave their passports at reception when checking in at a hotel. With many families heading for some warmth over the half-term, many will be landing in sunny Spain and wanting to get stuck into their holiday.

However, the Foreign Office travel advice reminds tourists that they should wait for their passports to be returned upon checking in. Hotels across the world, including the UK and Spain, have a legal requirement to take the passport details of tourists. Some travellers have been asked to hand over their documents for long periods of time, which can be a cause for worry.

Here, we explain the rules and what you should do when you reach reception. Read more: UK Passport renewal 2023 costs and timelines for normal and fast track applications

Should I hand over my passport?

Your passport is the one integral item you can’t do without when travelling abroad, and to lose it would be an absolute nightmare, to say the least. Passports are a prime target for pickpockets and undesirables, as they can fetch a high price on resale.

This means that it is essential for you to keep yours stored safely at all times,
There are two schools of thought when it comes to the safe storage of passports.
The first is to keep it on your person at all times, and the other is to keep it securely stored in your hotel or at your accommodation.
However, if you’re backpacking on your gap year, for example, your place of residence will most likely consist of hostels which are far less secure.

Many people feel uncomfortable leaving their passport at the desk or reception, and as a general rule, it’s often smart not to hand it over to anyone – you never know who is trustworthy no matter how they appear. If there isn’t a secure place accessible, such as a safe, it’s best to carry it with you.

As you’re likely to be moving around a lot, you don’t want the risk of having forgotten to collect it either.
If you are considering keeping it in a pocket, don’t.
Pick-pockets are more nimble-fingered than you may think.
If there is no other option available and you absolutely have to, keep it in a front pocket where it’s more difficult to reach, or in a zipped compartment of your travel rucksack, that doesn’t offer the same accessibility as an open slip pocket.

Another option for carrying your passport is in a money belt, These have a zipped pocket and can sit concealed under clothes. Endeavour not to dip in and out of it too often, as the whole point of these wallets is for them to stay hidden and accessing one regularly will draw unwanted attention to it and suggest you have something worth hiding.

Something you should consider is bringing along a couple of photocopies of your passport with you. These can often help you out in certain situations where you don’t want to hand over the real thing. If you do lose or have your passport stolen, then these copies might just save your fate at customs and your embassy.

It may seem like there’s no way to win, but if you use your common sense, keep your wits about you and are wary and proactive about your passport’s safety, there should be no trouble at all.

Where should I store my passport safely?

Your best bet with storing important documents is a safe deposit box. Most banks or credit unions offer safe deposit boxes. Some banks will offer a discount if you’re a current customer as well.

Should you cover your passport?

Fool Thieves and Pickpockets – It’s an unfortunate risk when carrying around a passport. The documents carry a lot of value on illegal markets, making them a, A cover may actually deter those pickpockets. If looking for the standard cover of a passport, they may overlook your document that has a nice design or different look thanks to a cover.

That small change may be the difference between a safe and stolen passport.
No country is going to prevent you from traveling without a passport cover.
While it may not seem like an essential part of your travel gear, a cover can still prove useful in protecting you, your personal information and your belongings.

Do you need help getting a passport or other travel document for some upcoming trip? Passport Health can help! Give us a call at or take a look at any of our other, Written for Passport Health by Jerry Olsen. He has over 15 years of combined experience as a writer and editor in Salt Lake City.

Where do you put your passport in a hotel?

Do you have to give your passport to hotel in Italy?

Identification – Authorities may request to see your ID at any time.

Carry valid identification or a photocopy of it at all timesKeep a photocopy of your passport in case it’s lost or seized

Hotels and other commercial accommodation providers must provide the Italian authorities with personal details on their guests. As such, you’ll have to present a passport upon check-in. Wait at the reception until the hotel staff has taken the required from your passport.

Do hotels in Dubai keep your passport?

Some hotels and Rent a car companies insists on retaining the passport as a security for payment. You should clearly tell them this practice is illegal and you will take it up with DTCM. When you book the hotel or take a rent a car you are giving them your credit card number which is sufficient security for payment.

Do hotels keep your passport in Vietnam?

7. Most Hotels Will Ask To Keep Your Passport (But don’t let them!) – Many hotels will ask to keep your passport during your stay. Allowing someone else to keep your passport is risky, however, because they are not the ones who will be inconvenienced if your passport is lost or stolen.

For instance, one of our guests’ hotel misplaced her passport and she had to stay an extra 3-4 days in HCMC to get an emergency passport while the rest of her friends continued on their travels, which cost her a lot of time and money.
Since your hotel only needs your passport info (to register your stay with the local police) and not the physical passport itself, most will accept a photocopy of your passport page.

We recommend leaving your passport in the hotel safe or in a secured luggage. If you forget to make photocopies of your passport before coming to Vietnam, rest assured that photocopy shops are cheap and plentiful in Vietnamese cities. Still, it’s a good idea to make a few copies of your passport page before you leave home so that you can avoid the headache. Why Do Hotels Take Your Passport Simply scan and print a few extra copies of your passport. (Image: Tourismstyle.co)