Passports- Should we let hotels keep them

balletshoes

Delree wrote: »

I travel often and I have NEVER been asked to hand over my passport for 24 hours and if I was asked I would absolutely refuse.

Why would reception need it for so long? I can't think of any legit reason.

you're right, i've never been asked to leave my passport for 24 hours?

photome

balletshoes wrote: »

you're right, i've never been asked to leave my passport for 24 hours?

I thought you said you had been asked to leave it overnight, which could be 24hours (give or take) couldnt it?

maman

photome wrote: »

have you been on packages to greece and turkey as from memory thats when it happens

It's not just on packages. I travel to Turkey independently and the hotel needs passport info. I think it's mainly about collecting tourist data but it's probably linked to tax and controlling visas and all sorts. Generally we're asked to fill in a form ourselves which needs passport number etc on it.

balletshoes

photome wrote: »

I thought you said you had been asked to leave it overnight, which could be 24hours (give or take) couldnt it?

it could be - but on my trips to Greece and Turkey its not been any longer than about 12 hours at the most in reality (often a lot less).

photome

balletshoes wrote: »

it could be - but on my trips to Greece and Turkey its not been any longer than about 12 hours at the most in reality (often a lot less).

I get what you are saying but I think the OP issue is leaving the passport, wether it is for 1 hour or 24 hours

balletshoes

photome wrote: »

I get what you are saying but I think the OP issue is leaving the passport, wether it is for 1 hour or 24 hours

i agree with you - as i said, never had a problem doing so when asked.

maman

photome wrote: »

I get what you are saying but I think the OP issue is leaving the passport, wether it is for 1 hour or 24 hours

I'm convinced they just need to take information from it (like passport number) and it's more convenient for them to take it, especially if you arrive late and there's only a night porter on. I can see why someone might not want to hand it over so probably best to ask why and wait while forms filled in and then have it returned.

PeteDoff

I always carry lots of printouts of the photo page and any visa. Saves them the hassle but I always keep the passport.

Ganga

We stayed at an appartment in Puerto Pollensa last year and we left our passports with reception for 24 hours, no problem,i am sure it is a legal requirment abroad,as i said it was no problem for us.

Ganga

jackieblack

Ganga wrote: »

We stayed at an appartment in Puerto Pollensa last year and we left our passports with reception for 24 hours, no problem,i am sure it is a legal requirment abroadas i said it was no problem

Ganga

Big place, 'abroad'
It certainly isn't a legal requirement everywhere