Understanding Passport Requirements at European Hotels

Seasoned international travelers are familiar with the ins and outs of checking into a European hotel. After a long flight, you approach the concierge, provide your reservation details, and present your passport.

Why Do European Hotels Require Your Passport?

Indeed, many European hotels request your passport alongside a credit card for incidentals. Typically, you will only need to show your passport upon check-in, or in rare instances, leave it overnight.

Legal Requirements in the U.K.

According to Traveller, in the U.K., it is a legal requirement. The Immigration (Hotel Records) Order 1972 mandates that “all hotels must keep a record of the full name and nationality of guests over 16 years of age.” Moreover, visitors are also required to provide the number and place of issue of their passport, their nationality, and their next destination, as is customary when traveling through Customs.

Benefits of Passport Record-Keeping

This procedure is not intended to inconvenience guests; rather, it serves vital security purposes. Hotels maintain records of passports to cross-check for wanted criminals, locate missing persons, and guard against identity theft.

Risks Involved with Handing Over Your Passport

Of course, presenting your personal identification carries certain risks, even when dealing with reputable hotels and trustworthy employees. If a hotel requires your passport, it is generally an obligation for you to comply, as refusing it could result in denial of service.

Expert Opinions on Passport Safety

Sean Tipton, a spokesman for the Association of British Travel Agents, states that historically, many hotels retained passports to prevent guests from leaving without settling their bills. However, with the prevalence of credit cards today, this practice has become largely unnecessary. Nevertheless, Tipton assures travelers to remain cautious. “Although it is highly unlikely that your passport would be misused, lost, or stolen by your hotel, once your details have been taken down, you are quite within your rights to insist on its return,” he advises.

Furthermore, Bob Atkinson, a travel expert at TravelSupermarket, recommends that travelers ask hotels to record necessary details or take photocopies of their passports instead. He also suggests carrying two photocopies of your passport while traveling, which helps ensure that your original document remains secure.

Storing Your Passport Securely

It’s essential to keep your passport in a safe place during your stay. Consequently, utilizing the in-room safes provided by hotels is often the best practice to protect your important identification.