Requirement to leave passport at hotel front desk
Jul 19, 2017, 7:17 am
#16
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More recently, hotels in Russia tend to want to keep the passport for a few hours or overnight to register your visa. Apparently not every front desk agent is able to do the process.
Jul 19, 2017, 7:43 am
#17
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The practice dates back to the days before photocopiers / scanners. At least a time when these certainly weren't standard equiptment at the front desk for use by mere clerks. The clerk filled out a fiche d'hotel and the police came around late at night, looked at passports and collected the fiches which they then filed.
There are places which still do that. Best to bring your own photocopy. If the front desk won't accept the copy, you have a choice of not registering and heading off to another property or leaving your passport.
I wouldn't say "never" if you are staying at a down-market property in a place where you don't speak the language and don't know the area.
If it is of great concern, telephone the property in advance.
There are places which still do that. Best to bring your own photocopy. If the front desk won't accept the copy, you have a choice of not registering and heading off to another property or leaving your passport.
I wouldn't say "never" if you are staying at a down-market property in a place where you don't speak the language and don't know the area.
If it is of great concern, telephone the property in advance.
Jul 19, 2017, 7:50 am
#18
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The ONLY time a hotel wanted to hold my PP was in Vienna in the early 70's. In those days to cash travelers checks(do they still exist
) you had to show a PP; I noted this to check-in agent...so he let me retain my PP.
PS: The agent was only going to record info from PP, but wanted to do it on his "leisure" time.
) you had to show a PP; I noted this to check-in agent...so he let me retain my PP.PS: The agent was only going to record info from PP, but wanted to do it on his "leisure" time.
Jul 19, 2017, 8:24 am
#19
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I would suggest them to go to Vietnam/Saigon or Thailand/Chang Mai and stay at a budget hotel and experience this on their own to see that is is quote common practice.
Jul 19, 2017, 9:02 am
#20
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In Vietnam and Thailand twice in each country I had request to leave passport at front desk - they were budget hotels for $30-$40 per night.
I gave them photocopy of the passport and on the objection told that my passport is at the immigration department for visa extension. It shut them up.
I gave them photocopy of the passport and on the objection told that my passport is at the immigration department for visa extension. It shut them up.
Jul 19, 2017, 10:42 am
#23
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Jul 19, 2017, 12:42 pm
#24
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I've had this happen in Italy, but I refuse, saying I will wait at the desk until they've copied the information they need.
Unless this has changed, it is a legal requirement in Russia, and you have no choice. It has been typically 3-4 hours for me (always at a large hotel).
More recently, hotels in Russia tend to want to keep the passport for a few hours or overnight to register your visa. Apparently not every front desk agent is able to do the process.
Jul 19, 2017, 12:45 pm
#25
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IIRC in Russia you're officially required to carry the passport at all times. Many countries have this rule, although it might not be publicized or enforced.
You tend to need it to change money and to rent a car and drive.
You tend to need it to change money and to rent a car and drive.
Jul 19, 2017, 3:43 pm
#26
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Sure, but I make them photocopy the passport.
OTOH, Korean hotels - at least the local budget ones (and jjimjilbang) - have never asked for an ID. North Korean ones though...our tour guide kept 'em.
OTOH, Korean hotels - at least the local budget ones (and jjimjilbang) - have never asked for an ID. North Korean ones though...our tour guide kept 'em.
Jul 19, 2017, 3:57 pm
#27
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Legally, you cannot consent to this because a passport isn't your property, but the property of the associated government. I hold two passports and have tussled with Australian immigration and customs about my non-Australian passport when they have demanded to see it. They've always relented when faced with this argument.
Jul 19, 2017, 4:39 pm
#28
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Never recently but years ago always.
Have not had to leave passport for quite a few years but it was standard in Asia and Europe years ago. This year China just took photocopies. Their issue could be a cost or even lack of photocopier in some Asian countries depending on the hotel quality.
Jul 19, 2017, 5:33 pm
#29
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I've had to do it a few times, but not in recent years. I'd be asked to leave it at check-in and get it back the next day or perhaps late the same evening if the clerk saw me passing through the lobby.
I assume the hotels are feeding the information to the local cops. *shrug* Not much you can do, other than leave the country...
Italy is definitely one that I remember doing this.
I assume the hotels are feeding the information to the local cops. *shrug* Not much you can do, other than leave the country...
Italy is definitely one that I remember doing this.
Jul 19, 2017, 7:20 pm
#30
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I've only stayed in a hotel in Seoul and nope, I didn't have to leave them my passport. I don't understand why you would? This would give me so much damn anxiety.