ankhboy

Recently I went to Innsbruck to visit a friend, so I didn't need a hotel.
The friend, who is a local, said I had to go to city hall to register my visit. I did so, and they told me I also had to report back to them before I left!?! (to check out)
I wondered if this is really necessary, as I was not engaged in any business dealings. And what if I forgot to check out? Would I be allowed back? Any observations on this strange requirement?

jamikins

A lot of countries have this requirement but the hotels report it for you - Italy for one, I think Hungary might as well. Usually you give your passport to your hotel reception and they register you with the police or city hall for the length of your visit.

I think it has to do with terrorism in the 70's (?) in Italy...

I dont know what would happen if you didnt check out...

molker

Travelers at hotels complete a registration form with name , age , address, lenght of stay etc.

This is registered by the hotel as normal business and is required by law.

When you stay privately ( as you did with your friend ) you register if your stay exceeds several days.
this a" melde" or registration again from old laws of long ago ( Monarchy times ) but still used today and is a good source for authorities to see who lives where.

Permanent residents of a locality must also do this registration.

You should also advise this central office as you depart to close the record.

Alec

Given Schengen's open border and the sheer number of tourists, this is one requirement that's impossible to police. Sure there is a requirement, and if you ask an official, sure enough you get an official reply - you must register and de-register. But as most visitors use commercial accommodation whose owners or managers do this for their guests, a few who stay privately and don't bother to register are unlikely to be spotted and taken to task. This registration business often ties in with payment of tourist tax (or visitor's tax or Kurtaxe), so there's a bureaucratic reason for maintaining paperwork. But I don't think those who stay as guests of their friends or relatives are made to pay.

molker

This is much more than a way to collect tourist tax. It is a way to register and know who is living where for police and other authorities.
They can check each address to see who is living where via this information entered into the computer.

Yes visiting a large city at a friends place probably no one knows it or really cares if it is a short time.
But in smaller towns where visitors are much less , the word of an outsider spreads quickly and often people ask about the visitor or new resident. Or if the owner of the home is renting to a guest without local permission to operate any accomodations. Again a costly fine.

I have seen such things occur with unregistered guests.
The form takes a minute to complete - better to be safe - return and check out also.
If not eventually the police will check this .
It is best to observe the local law. The host can be heavily fined if caught with an unregistered guest.
I have seen this happen.