Host is asking to send passport id photos over whatap for registration. Is this normal?

I heard and have read that this is normal in some countries. In some countries, the hotelier or AirBnB host are required to have a copy of your passport picture page in which they submit to local authorities upon your check-in.

We checked in to a hotel in Lisbon and were required to do this.

Of course, this does make me wonder about all sorts of possible scams that could come out. The hotel may not be scamming you, but maybe the hotel employee uses this opportunity to collect private identifiable data of all guests and on the side, they have a side gig of scamming.

Would you be equally concerned if they asked for a copy of your US state issued drivers license, so they would know who they're going to let in their space? What info on the passport is it that you think can be used for mischief?

Drivers licenses are not recognized as an official ID. Most civilized countries issue national identity cards for this purpose. Many cities/countries require identification so as to report to the local authorities. It's you that they're concerned might be a scammer.

It’s normal and required

We have been asked for this many times in Europe.

Thanks! I don't know why this makes me anxious, but if it required then I have no choice.
What would be the most secure way in that case? send photographs via whatsapp, airbnb messaging app, or use the vikey check-in? What most of you have done? This was a self-check-in, so I haven't met my host. I think I'd have been more comfortable showing the id in person.

If it's AirBnb, I'd use their communication system if possible. I'm not sure if their messaging platform allows you to send attachments? If not, I'd be comfortable with using WhatsApp.

Yes, you can send and receive photos in Airbnb messages. Self-check-in hosts have to get your passport information somehow, and using the Airbnb messages is what Airbnb wants you to do. But we have used Whatsapp to do it a few times for various reasons.

It is normal -- both - host needing the information and the paranoia of the traveler. I would rather give a passport than a d license because there is less information on the passport. We have been doing it for more than 50 years without any problems.

I just checked out of Rome. The hotel was booked via Booking.com. It's not exactly a hotel, but feel more like an Airbnb, run by a host with 9.4 rating.
It is also a self check in, and I sent in our passport documents via Whatsapp.
I also paid Rome's city tax via a link he provided, few days prior to our check in..

This is very common in Europe.. happens to us all the time..
I wouldn't worry about it..
If it was some kind of scam, the host won't survive the reviewer's scrutiny. - obviously I would be worried, if the host only has 2 star rating vs. 4.9 (or 9.0 better on Bookings.com)

It is required by law that a host must submit copy of the guest’s identity document to the police authorities within 24 hours from check in. All your passport contains is your first name, last name, date and place of birth, nationality, passport number and issuance date and expiration date. You can’t do much with that.

I don’t understand people’s fears about this. A passport does not contain your SSN, your current or past home addresses, your credit card information, how much you make, or how much your home is worth, or your mobile phone number, or the names of your relatives. Yet if you go to www.searchpeoplefree.com, www.zillow.com, www.openpayrolls.com, www.spokeo.com, www.zabasearch.com, anybody can see all of the above, with the exception, maybe, of your SSN and your credit card (which however nobody has a problem giving to any restaurant waiter).

This is not a problem. Many of our hotels on our last trip requested that we send a copy of our passport in advance. It is not an issue.

It is a “miracle” that it’s not an issue, because identity theft could easily occur. But, it is indeed a regular requirement in many parts of Europe, it seems.

It is not miracle. There is nothing to steal in passport that is commonly available on the internet or dozen of other sites. The passport, itself, has little value but driver license has much more information. This is not a big deal.

Hello,
I was required to do this for various air bnb ‘s in Europe- all I had to do was give my passport number which I did thru the air bnb app- I would not do thru what’s app as all communication on air bnb is supposed to go thru their app only.

Hotels will also ask for your passport. And always keep your passport on your person while traveling in Europe- it is the law.
Happy Travels✨

In Italy, it is an antiterrorism law enforced since the 70s. It was used to stop members of the red brigades living under false identity in rented apartaments.