backpacker hostels keeping records of guests
 

backpacker hostels keeping records of guests

Why do you backpacker hostels and guesthouses keep a record of guests' passport numbers and issue/expiry dates?

I have no specific reason for asking, I'm just curious what these businesses do with my personal information after I check out?

not sure which forum you are posting on, but in Thailand this is required by law in hostels, guesthouses and hotels

Same in India

Sandy, most countries require this, not only of backpackers, but of all hotel guests as well.

I always thought it was so your whereabouts could be "registered", in case of some emergency.

So, is it only foreigners that have to do this? I've always wondered why you don't have to show a passport at home. I've also not been asked for one in certain parts of Mexico and the Carribean.

Oops - to clarify, I should have said that its required of all foreign hotel guests. That's true in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe... Typically, you're asked to fill in the info when you arrive at the hotel and register.

There are places, like Vietnam and Dubai, where it is (or was) common practice for hotels to KEEP your passport until you checked out.