passports and hostels

steveottawa
New Member



Joined: 20 Jul 2007
Posts: 4

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 10:39 am

 

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I just have a question regarding passports and hotels/
hostels in Europe. I heard that in many places, you have to surrender
your passport to the reception desk? Is this true? I don't know if I feel comfortable doing this. Should I refuse to do this if asked or is this a common thing in Europe? If so, how long do they hold it for? If for example stay a week at a hostel, do they hold my passport for the whole week?

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ksbrandon
Junior Member



Joined: 21 Jul 2007
Posts: 10

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 8:27 pm

 

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I have heard that this requirement is an exageration, but don't take that as fact.

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Clapoti
Senior Member



Joined: 23 Feb 2007
Posts: 90
Location: Berlin

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 11:20 pm

 

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I've never been ask for my passport. they take your passport number, but not your whole passport.

In Europe your passport serve as identification. So if the police control you for some reason (never happened in 1.5 years) your passport is your ID. not your driving license or any other card you might have. So you need it with you.

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oohmercyme
Moderator



Joined: 21 Mar 2004
Posts: 312
Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 5:02 am

 

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I have never been asked to surrender my passport in Europe. I always use my Dutch one when in the EU, but even travelling with Canadian and American friends/fam, no one has been asked to surrender it.

And welcome to the board Steve.
_________________
Lori

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