I’ve done Airbnb before but this is the first time for this request. Is it normal?
accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Tourism of Malaga and the Office of Tax Collection.
It is necessary that you send yourself,
Photo of your ID / Passport
As soon, as possible.
Take a picture of your identification document with a telephone.
Most lodging in Europe requires a look at your passport sometimes sharing a copy with local law enforcement. Been that way forever. This is a sign that the dwelling you chose is actually legal because it is following the rules.
Thank you! I've stayed at a few airbnb's in Europe and have some booked for this upcoming trip to Spain but this was the first person to ever ask for ID. Just wanted to confirm before sending. Thanks!
"... sometimes sharing a copy with local law enforcement."... nope, it's ALWAYS sharing a copy and it is at a NATIONAL level. Why do you think the ratio of serious crime solving in Spain (and other European destinations) is higher than in many states in the US?
In any case, I knew of having to show your passport on arrival at hotels, guesthouses and rentals, but I didn't know about having to send it "in advance". Maybe something new? I am not in the loop anyway, sorry not to be able to confirm.
Btw, don't know if you misspelt but there is no "Ministry of Tourism of Malaga", in any case, government-wise at a local level in the city of Malaga, there is a "Consejeria de Turismo de Malaga". The Ministry is at a national level -much like your Secretariats in the US- and it refers to the country, not a city (=Ministerio de Turismo de España).
... actually, just checked the section of a site (HomeAway) addressed to would-be hosts of tourists apartments in Andalucia (Malaga is in Andalucia!), and I can read on Question 2 that "the contract will be handed over to the client on his arrival" and in the next paragraph it says that "the operator must fill in the entry form with the traveler identification document following the regulations of the registration book and the travelers' entry document", therefore I assume it must refer to the same moment in time, that is, when you're there, right? But maybe this is an over-zealous host :)
But again, it's all guess as I am not in the tourism business and regulations do change, don't they?
