Every guest in Italy must be identified against an ID document and registered with the police. In November 2025 the Council of State upheld that rule: key boxes with no identity check are not allowed, but identification can be done remotely by video at the entrance. Cities including Rome, Florence, Venice, Bologna and Milan have moved against street key boxes. So ask the host how check-in works and send your ID only through the platform or the property’s known contacts. A message asking you to re-enter card details or pay by link — even one that shows your booking — is a known scam: check it in the app or call the property.
Checked 2026-09-24 · Italy · Money & practical
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| ID check | Required for every guest · registered with police |
| Key boxes | Not allowed without identity check · video check possible (Council of State, Nov 2025) |
| City bans | Rome, Florence, Venice, Bologna, Milan against street key boxes |
| City tax | Often paid at check-in, sometimes cash |
| Scam sign | Payment link or ‘re-enter card’ message |
How check-in works now
Identity check is mandatory
Key box bans
Ask before you book
Reddit · Italy travel tips (late check-in) ↗ · Reddit · new rules for remote check-in ↗
City tax at arrival
Fake booking messages
Payment by link
Where to send your passport
Book where support is real
Quick answers
Is self check-in legal in Italy?
Only with a real identity check — remote video verification is accepted, an unattended key box is not (Council of State, Nov 2025).
Why does my Italian host need my passport?
Every guest must be identified and registered with the police by law.
Is a Booking.com message asking for card details a scam?
Very likely — check it in the app or call the property on a number you found yourself.
Go deeper in our guides
Related answers
Sources: Sky TG24 · Council of State on self check-in (Nov 2025) ↗ · Euronews · Milan bans key boxes from 2026 ↗