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Host | Tagged Posts

2018
15
November
Should you be concerned if an Airbnb host in Japan requests a copy of your passport?

Question:

Profile picture of Jason

Jason

Hi All! I am booking a trip to Japan and staying at a airbnb. The host is asking for an image of my passport to confirm booking. Is this a common practice and have you been ask before? Thanks in advance for your advice.

Humans say...

Profile picture of Meli

Meli

Yes as an airbnb host- it is one way you can ask to verify your guest. If you’re not comfortable message them and ask if you can submit an alternative form of identification

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Barbara

As far as alternative, possibly your drivers license with the number blocked out.

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Sheila

You can also verify your passport as part of your airbnb identity verification. Is that what they’re asking? If you’re not comfortable sharing directly with your host, that should be a more secure way to prove your identity, yet protect it.
We ask our guest to verify through airbnb with an official government ID.

Profile picture of Yuki

Yuki

Yes, I thought this step (through airbnb not direct with homeowner) was standard practice? I did it knowing homeowner would know I am who I claim to be while my personal info was kept secure by airbnb. Win-win.

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Kamru

unusual i wd not risk it. i have used Abnb ask them they wd reply

Profile picture of Diana

Diana

You can verify your identity through airbnb when you register, that's part of the guarantee the host receives....I've hosted for many years and have never asked for that....

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Melissa

Likewise. I expect airbnb to do the verifying. I don’t want to get involved with people’s ID/privacy.

Profile picture of Nad

Nad

Giving someone a copy of your passport isn't safe (people can steal your identity). I would suggest another piece of ID with ur address or ID number blocked out.
Below is what the Canada Government website says:
Protect your personal information
Protect your personal information, including the information in your travel document at all times.
Always store your travel document in a safe, dry and secure place.
Never give out personal information from your passport or your passport application unless you’re sure it is for a trusted organization or individual. This includes photocopies. You take all responsibility for giving information in your passport to a third party.

Profile picture of Sandra

Sandra

You should be able to verify your identity through the airbnb profile settings.

Profile picture of Breena

Breena

Yes.

Profile picture of Helene

Helene

any hotel they need a photocopy of your passport

Profile picture of Kamru

Kamru

yes in person but in advance?

Profile picture of Vanessa

Vanessa

Yes I was asked too , apparently it the law there

Profile picture of Vanessa

Vanessa

Check japan laws

Profile picture of Kamru

Kamru

call Japan embassy

Profile picture of Eve

Eve

I just booked airbnb in Rome. The app asks for proof using passport, the numbers are blocked out. Just photo & date of birth are visible. Then app has you take a selfie where app compares the passport photo to your selfie. Again, the numbers on the passport are blacked out. I doubt the info goes to host, airbnb confirms to them your identity.

Profile picture of Paul

Paul

In Japan it's the law. We have to show our passports to hotels for photocopying every time we check in. Don't worry about it.

Profile picture of Jason

Jason

Thank you. I read that it is the law. I appreciate everyone's help

Profile picture of Jackie

Jackie

I don’t know the rules in Japan but while in China I was required to give my passport for them to photocopy.

Profile picture of Kamru

Kamru

I think here issue is different unless i read it wrong. The copy is needed from here not in person.

Profile picture of Kitty

Kitty

We used airbnb in Japan back in April. We did not have to provide a copy of our passports

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Jordan

I've used airbnb 3x in Japan, and I have never had to show my passport, however, I am verified with airbnb, which I believe is much safer and convenient

Profile picture of Cindy

Cindy

Yes, in Croatia we were asked for copies but only after we had arrived.

Profile picture of Devon

Devon

airbnb verifies your ID. Do not send people your personal information, this is in airbnb’s terms of service! Contact airbnb for this issue ASAP

Profile picture of Adam

Adam

Verify your ID with airbnb. Don't share your passport details with a stranger.

Profile picture of Cindy

Cindy

In certain countries the “landlords” are required by their municipal laws to report anyone staying just as a hotel does.

Profile picture of Becky

Becky

Yes i had to do this and it is Japanese law - link sent by my host here http://www.mhlw.go.jp/bunya/kenkou/seikatsu-eisei26/01.html (however you can produce upon arrival in person, your host is likely asking upfront because it is self check in)
MHLW.GO.JP
日本国内に住所を持たない外国人宿泊者に係る旅券の呈示及びコピーに関する案内(外国語)|厚生労働省

Profile picture of Val

Val

yes my son had to do that he blocked his passport number from them

Profile picture of Jason

Jason

Thank you everyone for your assistance.


A.I. says...

AI Profile Pic

Sharing Passport Information with Airbnb Hosts

Dear Traveler,

Regarding your question about providing an image of your passport to an Airbnb host, it is a common practice, but not a mandatory requirement by Airbnb. However, many hosts may request this information as an additional verification step to ensure the safety and security of their property.

Why Hosts Request Passport Information

Airbnb hosts often request passport information for several reasons:

  1. Identity Verification: Passport information helps hosts verify the identity of their guests, ensuring that the person booking the accommodation is the same person who will be staying there.
  2. Security Concerns: Some hosts may have experienced issues with unauthorized guests or property damage in the past, leading them to request additional verification measures.
  3. Local Regulations: In certain countries or regions, local laws or regulations may require hosts to collect and maintain guest identification records, including passport information.

Sharing Passport Information Safely

If you feel comfortable providing your passport information to the host, it's important to do so safely and securely. Here are some tips:

  • Verify the host's identity and listing on the Airbnb platform before sharing any personal information.
  • Consider sharing only the necessary pages of your passport (e.g., the photo and personal details page) rather than the entire document.
  • Blur or redact any sensitive information, such as passport numbers or personal identification numbers, if possible.
  • Share the passport information directly with the host through Airbnb's secure messaging system, rather than via email or third-party messaging apps.

If you're uncomfortable sharing your passport information or have concerns about the host's request, you can politely decline and explain your reasons. Airbnb does not require guests to provide passport information unless explicitly stated in the listing details or local regulations.

Conclusion

While requesting passport information is a common practice among Airbnb hosts, it's ultimately up to you as a guest to decide whether you feel comfortable sharing this information. If you choose to do so, take necessary precautions to protect your personal data and ensure a safe and enjoyable stay.

Safe travels!



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