Airbnb Japan Host asking for copy of Passport
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 514
Airbnb Japan Host asking for copy of Passport
Heading to Tokyo and Osaka this Fall and decided to make a booking on airbnb. It has been awhile since I used airbnb so I didnt know of this new law in Japan where airbnb hosts are required to have a copy of one's passport. A quick search seems to indicate some will only asked to see your passport while some hosts firmly require a photocopy to be emailed to them.
Can I blank out any part on my passport when submitting a copy of my passport?
Can I blank out any part on my passport when submitting a copy of my passport?
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
Programs: BA Silver, TK E+, AA PP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 13,046
If you have privacy concerns, don't stay at an Airbnb or visit Japan. Hotels in many countries in the world take photocopies of your passport to comply with local law. This isn't specific to Airbnb, but merely your perception of the trustworthiness of whoever might have your passport details.
#4
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: LAX, SNA, LGB
Posts: 452
https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/...-home-in-japan
This may help but it doesn't mention anything about what you can block out.
This may help but it doesn't mention anything about what you can block out.
#5
I believe it is the law in Japan for foreign guests to provide passport details when staying in a registered lodging. All the hotels I have stayed at requests for this, and an Air BNB owner that has registered the lodging would be required by law to request this as well.
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 514
Yes, this is a new law in Japan. I googled abit and found this interesting article on Japantimes about the interpretation of the law. I have no issue showing my passport but to make a photocopy, I am not sure if I am comfortable about that.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/communi.../#.XbTsL5JKivF
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/communi.../#.XbTsL5JKivF