We are renting an apartment in Venice. The owner asked that we send a copy of our passports before we arrive for "The registration of guests required by Italian law."
Is this normal? Will all hotels and apartment rentals in Europe ask for this?
Thank you very much.
Yes it's required by Italian law.
Enjoy your trip!
Perfectly normal. They won't all ask before you arrive, but yes, they're supposed to register you. Probably related to anti-terrorism.
They've been doing this in Italy for decades, in accord with national law. Even if a friend comes to visit you in your hotel, if they're going to come up to your room (as opposed to visiting in the lobby) they may be asked for their "documenti."
Hotels will get this information at check in. Apartments and villas will ask for this information ahead of time in order to speed up the check in process for you. It's all normal and perfectly legal.
Donna
You even have to provide this to get calcio (soccer) tickets.
It is the absolute rule in Italy. Years ago they kept your passport overnight. Now they just make a copy it. One time it was common in Europe but now less so in many other countries. Send it. It is not a scam.
Thank you all for your help. It is greatly appreciated.
