Spanish holidaymakers are being reminded that they shouldn’t leave their passports at reception when checking in at a hotel. With many families heading for some warmth over the half-term, many will be landing in sunny Spain and wanting to get stuck into their holiday.
However, the Foreign Office travel advice reminds tourists that they should wait for their passports to be returned upon checking in. Hotels across the world, including the UK and Spain, have a legal requirement to take the passport details of tourists.
Some travellers have been asked to hand over their documents for long periods of time, which can be a cause for worry. Here, we explain the rules and what you should do when you reach reception.
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Why do I need to hand over my passport?
Many countries, including here in the UK, have laws that say hotels must ask guests to provide some form of ID when checking in. That law, called the Immigration (Hotel Records) Order, requires hotels to record the full name and nationality of every guest over 16.
For international guests, hotels must record the number and place of issue of their passports or any document confirming their identity and nationality.
Is there a risk in handing over my passport?
When checking in, many tourists will be asked to leave their passports at the reception while they head up to their rooms. However, the Foreign Office’s travel advice warns holidaymakers not to leave without their ID.
This is partly because identity theft is such a huge concern, it can result in long-term damage and financial losses. Your passport contains all the basic information a criminal needs to create a fraudulent identity.
Should I hand over my passport?
Where it’s the law to provide ID, you could be turned away from a hotel if you refuse to hand any over. However, there is no need to leave it with staff for long periods of time, including overnight.
While it’s unlikely that your ID will be misused, staff are used to handling these documents all day long, your passport is the most important document that you can have when travelling. Though you may be kept from your room for a few minutes, waiting at the check-in desk for the staff to take your details will alleviate some of the risks, leaving you to enjoy a peaceful holiday.
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