Italy Hotel Passport: Read Before You Go!

Visiting a place requires a lot of preparation. A passport is the most necessary among all of them. Now, you are planning to visit Italy recently. And as for your preparation, you need to book the hotel.

So, it’s only natural to wonder about the Italy hotel passport issue. 

All of the hotels in Italy require a passport while checking in at the hotel. By law, hotels in Italy must register their guests with the local authorities, which involves collecting passport information. However, hotels are not allowed to keep your passport overnight; they only need it temporarily for registration. 

Please accept this as a quick response. This issue requires more information. Stay tuned to learn more about them. 

Do Hotels in Italy Require Passports? 

Yes, all hotels in Italy require a passport. Upon check-in, hotels may request your passport, retaining it for a brief period. You may have to wait up to 24 hours before you receive it back.

In Italy, hotels are legally obligated to register their guests with the local authorities. Collecting passport information is a process of that. But, hotels do not have the legal right to keep your passport overnight. They only need it temporarily to complete the registration process.

Furthermore, Italian law mandates that hotels make photocopies of the passports of all foreign visitors.

As a result, it is advisable to have your passport readily available during 

the check-in process to ensure compliance with these legal requirements. This essential step helps prevent fraudulent activities. This law is actually a provision of the Italian Public Security Code (known as TULPS).

The collected information serves various purposes, like tax compliance, and cross-checking for wanted individuals. Also, the collected information can be used to prevent identity theft and find missing persons.

Also, it’s a common scenario that European hotels take your passport for a short period of time when you check in. 

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What Do You Need for Reservations in Italian Hotels

When booking a hotel in Italy, please keep in mind the following important information.

Guest Registration 

Italian hotels are required by law to register guests with the local authorities using passport information. They’ll need a passport photocopy as you know by now, along with additional information and papers such as

• Credit Cards: Some hotels in Italy might need credit cards to hold the reservation. 
• Basic Information: Name, timeline of your stay, number of people in your party, etc. 
• Confirmation Email: For online reservations, you’ll need to give your email address for a confirmation email afterward. 
• Additional Information: Some hotels may need your additional information such as your flight details and your reason for visiting Italy. Some Italian hotels may require VISA or travel insurance, but it’s not common. 

If you’re wondering if fake IDs work at hotels, dismiss such ideas from your head. Please note that hotels typically retain passports temporarily to complete the registration document.

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Check-in And Check-out Times-Italy Hotel Passport 

Check-in times in Italy are usually around 2 pm in the afternoon. Check-out times fall between 10 am and noon in the morning. If you arrive early and your room isn’t ready, most hotels will gladly store your luggage. 

In the meantime, you can explore the nearby sights. So, if you’re planning to visit Varenna and Bellagio, or Lake Como and Amalfi Coast, start exploring! 

Now, if you plan to arrive later in the day, it’s wise to inform the hotel in advance. It ensures someone will be available for your check-in. Especially for smaller hotels with limited staff availability, you must inform beforehand.

How Long Can You Stay in Italy With a US Passport?

US citizens are allowed to enter Italy for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes without a visa. This is due to Italy’s participation in the Schengen Area. The United States has an agreement with the European Union for visa-free travel across all EU countries. The 90-day period is subject to the 90/180 rule, allowing a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. 

For stays exceeding 90 days, US citizens must apply for an Italian D visa. That D visa has various categories based on the purpose of travel. It includes studying, working, family reunification, business, investment, or long-term research in Italy, etc. 

If you are someone who is confused for travelling between Italy or spain for honeymoon or leisure then read this guide for insight.

Tips for Staying in Italian Hotels-Italy Hotel Passport 

Now, in this section, let’s get to know some amazing tips which will help you to stay at Italian hotels.  

• Read reviews from previous guests before booking. You can gain insight into the hotel’s cleanliness, amenities, and overall quality by doing so.
• You should confirm in advance whether the hotel offers parking facilities and whether there are any associated fees. For convenience, some hotels work with nearby private parking lots.
• Customer service norms may vary. Receptionists at Italian hotels are generally courteous and friendly. But they do not always exhibit the level of obsequiousness expected by overseas visitors.
• Italian hotels are rated by stars, ranging from one (basic) to five (luxury). Some hotels may choose a lower star rating to reduce taxes, so do not solely rely on star ratings.
• Many hotels in Italy offer discounts if you pay in cash. You should clarify the payment method and any additional charges before arriving.
• After making a reservation, it’s advisable to confirm your booking with the hotel. This step ensures that your reservation is secure and helps avoid misunderstandings upon arrival.
• Most hotel websites in Italy are available in both English and Italian. If necessary, use translation tools like Google Translate to navigate the pages. Larger hotels usually have English-speaking staff members to assist you.
• To save on accommodations, consider options like shared baths, skipping breakfast, or choosing budget-friendly hotels. Utilize booking engines and check hotel websites for any special offers or discounts.

FAQs

Can I Get to Spain Without A Passport?

No, it is not possible to enter Spain without a passport. European legislation mandates that all travelers, regardless of age, must have a valid passport or identity card to travel to Spain. The passport or travel document is always necessary and must remain valid for up to three months. 

How Many Hotels Are There in Italy? 

According to the most recent data from Statista in 2022, there were 32,425 hotels in Italy. This corresponds to a 1% increase from the previous year. Additionally, NationMaster reported that in 2019, there were 32,730 hotel establishments in Italy. 

Do You Need to Carry Your Passport at All Times in Italy?

Yes, you have to carry your passport at all times in Italy. As per the law DLGS N. 286 of July 25th, 1998, it is mandatory to carry an international identification document. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be the original document; a copy is also acceptable.

Conclusion 

Hopefully, you have got enlightened regarding the Italy hotel passport. 

You should always carry your passport since from the hotel to other tourist  places, you may need to show it. Also, it would be helpful enough if you keep all your scanned documents in your email for emergency situations.