Elan

In the Rick Steves book on Italy, he says the hotels may ask for the guest passport when checking in and keep it for several hours to register the guests with the local authorities. Is this true? I am somewhat uncomfortable letting my passport out of sight this way. Advice? Clarification?

CarlosSandoval

Yes, that's normal procedure not only in Spain but in other european countries

ira

Hi E,

This is standard practice.

Almost all European countries require that you be registered with the police.

Many hotels now give you a form to fill out. Others take your passport and fill out whatever forms they have to fill out.

You will get your passport back.

Ann1

If you feel uncomfortable leaving your passport you have the option of saying you will wait for it. If I stay at a hotel that I've been to before and I'm comfortable leaving it, I do. If not I tell them I'll wait. It's not a problem.

Dick

Many hotels wil accept a copy of your passport at registration instead of the original.

You should have copies of your passport, anyhow, in case you original is lost or stolen.

Marci_77

With our recent trip, they told us to go check out the room, put our stuff down and come back downstairs in 10 minutes to get our passports.

Giovanna

We have always surrendered our passports to the desk clerk on visits to Italy and have always had them returned shortly. Never really thought about it and I do protect my passport like it was the Hope diamond. Somehow I doubt that it was luck. We don't stay at the finest hotels, but hopefully those we do stay at can be trusted with our passports for a short time.

amp322

I've handed over my passport to the hotel/hostel check-in clerk in many different countries. It is standard practice. I just pick it up the next time I go through the lobby, or even just tell them to keep it in the safe.

i_am_kane

I agree, it seems to be Standard Operating Procedure.

wilees

In Italy they do have to note your details down from your passport. Most will take it at check in and return immediately or very soon afterwards. We only had one place take them for the duration of the stay. Fortunately we are dual passport holders so had others anyway.

BUT according to one of the hoteliers it is actually illegal for them to take your passport for the duration of the stay - they are required to give it back.

No other countries ever asked for our passports not Austria, Germany, or France. In fact I had a tiny bother getting back into England cos they could work out how I'd gotten out of the UK from my passport!!

Statia

I don't know if this would work for hotels, but for apartments we bring a few copies along with us and give them one upon checking in.

maryfalin

Very helpful thread. I've always been a little worried about surrendering my passport, even for a short time. Hadn't thought of the possibilities of waiting for the passport or just giving a copy.
Thanks

kenderina

Here in Spain they ask for the identity card to everyone, not only tourists. They fill out their forms and turn it back to you next time you visit the reception desk if you don't want to wait