We haven’t traveled since April 2019, but are planning a visit to Spain in April 2023. I went on-line to purchase tickets for the Alhambra; I was a bit surprised by the requirement of a passport number and that visitors must present their passport for entry. Is this practice now, or is it becoming, commonplace for non-nationals to visit landmarks in Spain, and/or throughout Europe?
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
4270 posts
We were just in Spain and a few times when we ordered tickets for sights we had to provide our passport number. Even when we booked a tour of the Prado though the guide in Rick’s book it had to be provided. When we were entering the Alhambra we just held our passports up, they didn’t open it. We also had to provide passport numbers for train tickets we ordered on line.
Posted by
Hudson Valley
2267 posts
Lots of systems in Spain ask for passport numbers—it’s very common. (Any Spaniard can rattle off their national ID number in a heartbeat.) Only at the Alhambra was presenting it required. (Besides hotel checkin and buying a SIM card)
Contrary to Barbara’s experience, when I was there in July they never looked at or scanned our tickets, but pulled our reservations by scanning my passport and my friend’s national ID card.
.
Posted by
Detroit, MI
1040 posts
I went to Spain in March 2022. I bought my ticket to the Alhambra in advance. I had to enter my passport number. I had to show my passport. It didn't occur to me to think either should be a problem. I have heard of needing identification to pick up will-call tickets. ... You should just always carry proper identification. Your state-issued drivers license doesn't work outside the United States. You should just always carry your passport when outside the United States. Then you will have it in case you need to show it to enter sights that require tickets, when boarding a train, and so on.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2662 posts
Passport numbers were needed in March 2019, so it's not a recent requirement.
If I remember correctly, we (a tour group) were told to keep our passports available but they weren't checked on entry. They were doing spot checks on the grounds.
Posted by
Washington DC
28100 posts
My guess is that this has something to do with reducing scalping by making it difficult to buy large blocks of tickets and resell them.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8886 posts
December 2022. Passport number given for buying tickets at multiple locations. I was only asked to show my passport at the Alhambra and even then, they just looked at the outside.
Posted by
DFW TX, USA
457 posts
Looks like they raised their price also ... last I checked in late December is was €14 per adult for a general admission ticket, now it's €18 ...
Posted by
OP
Cincinnati, OH, USA
768 posts
Thanks to all for the information. I don't have a problem with the passport regimen, just wanted to get up to date on goings on in Europe. Thanks again.
Jon