ID request from host

[Vasilena1]

Hi, I have used Airbnb a couple of times and never had to show id for reservation. I have a reservation for Madrid, Spain and my host asked me to send copy of my ID/passposrt via gmail. Is that safe? is there such practice I read that in some countries there are such laws according which the host must provide id details for their guests but I'm not sure how secure is that? Pls someone help if you have indormation.

[Helen3]

I personally would never accept a guest without government photo ID.

Some countries need photo ID but normally you show it on arrival.

I wouldn't send photo ID by email.

[Vasilena1]

yes, showing my ID upon arrival is common practice but I've never had request for sending pictures of my id by mail. 

[Elizabeth429]

Hello Vasilena,

I personally ask my guests to send their national ID or passport after a reservation is confirmed in order to include them in the house insurance before their arrival.

A friend of mine who also hosts with AIRBNB, asks for a copy of his guest´s IDs because there is a 24h security in the building and the guards are notified of the guest arrivals days before it occurs.

So I guest that the only way to be safe in this case is by reading out the  overall reviews/opinions of other guests that have stayed in the same house. 

I hope your stay in Madrid was a pleasant one!