Portugal immigration and borders service

[Aoife28]

Hi all, I've made a booking for Lisbon and the host asked me to fill out an application with something called the SEF, Foreigners and Borders Service. The link I was given is as follows: https://app.talkguest.com/GuestData.aspx?Account=398&Reservation=HMAPK5MFRN&Key=F590324&

I was wondering if any Portuguese hosts/guests know if this is legit. I filled it out at the time not thinking much of it, however I didn't give my passport information.. The host has also just asked for my flight number (to check for delays) and expected time of arrival.. I just want to know what others think of this.. Again I provided the flight number not thinking much of it but am a bit skeptical now and a bit worried.. Is this legit? 

[Elena87]

@Aoife28 

I think this crops up quite regularly on the boards here. It is legitimate for Portugal.

In Portugal any short term rental accomodation has to register with the SEF and display their registration number (Alojamento Local) on the property.

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/2038/portugal-s-registration-process--frequently-asked-questio...

Then any guests staying there, the owner should ensure the SEF collects the data and details of visitors there, it's mandatory.  I think the procedure is for security purposes so all visitors details are checkable to prevent illegal residents and for tax purposes.

There is a knowledgable and reliable regular poster here @cor that would know it inside out and be able to explain more.

As for the flight numbers, I ask this of visitors myself. It is useful not just to check for delayed flights, but for me I can get a really better idea of when a guest is likely to arrive at my place, and saves me wasting time waiting unnecessarily.

I'm more able to estimate travel time from an airport than a guest's guesstimation.

For example, guest my tell me they will arrive at 3 pm ish but when they give me the flight details I can have a sharper idea when they might arrive.

I've a 0000 last check-in, one guest once told me he would arrive about 11pm - once I shook the flight number out of him and checked, the landing time was actually 23.55 - it was a last minute booking but I guess this one would be happy to let me wait around for 2 hours because for some, it's easier to say sorry than ask for permission.

[Gary928]

Same story - my host for  portugal stay sent me https://app.talkguest.com/GuestData link.  So far I have provided our names but no passport info.  

[Dana1175]

Hi! Did you end up providing all the info? I am experiencing the same thing right now? 

[David8879]

This is a legal requirement for letting guest in your AL (short term rental) in portugal.

It is quite easy to google - right?

SIBA - Accommodation Bulletin Information System (sef.pt)

 as for talkguest - it is just an interface to make it more convenient to submit data

[Pilar598]

Hello All, 

I think even if their SEF asks for this information they shouldn't be asking you over AIRBNB chat. I'm dealing with the same right now. I'm with AIRBNB on the phone. My husband provided all the information (without telling me this was asked, i found out by looking at the chat) and I wouldn't have send this information via chat. If I arrive at the Airbnb then I can be asked to either my passport or tell me where to go to register. NEVER should we be asked to provide such information over the internet. DO NOT PROVIDE. I have called AIRBNB I have a ticket, i have asked for them to send this to the legal department and to contact the host and educate the host. 

[Ellen923]

Hello there, same issue here. I talked to Airbnb support on the phone. Baseline: since you are a verified guest in Airbnb, there is no need to provide passport info or any info related to your current place of residency or place of birth. If you encounter problem, the support said you can give them a call and they will contact the host on your behalf. Happy Traveling! 

[Helen3]

Sorry @Ellen923  this is completely incorrect. There are many countries including Portugal where there is a legal requirement to provide photo ID to accommodation providers which is then shared with local police/government.

You absolutely do have to provide passport or visitor ID card information when requested if you want to stay in these countries. 

[Ellen923]

I keep an open mind to your comment. I informed the host and they are ok about the explanation I provided. In case of contention, feel free to call airbnb and verify with them. 

[Sudsrung0]

@Ellen923 

That might be so where you live but here in Thailand we have a similar thing called TM-30 and if the guest are not registered their visa might get revoked.

If you dont show me your passport then you are not getting in my property,

[Ellen923]

Sure, it goes on a case by case basis. I'd recommend ppl to call Airbnb to verify/double check/ask for suggestion in case of uncertainty, which I did. I believe that is a sensible approach. 

[Helen3]

It's not a case by case basis. It's on a country by country basis and the laws are clear. Any traveller going to a country should check conditions for entry/stay when travelling.

Just because you have a host who is happy for you to break the law by not providing information doesn't mean it's on a case by case basis.

'“Since 2015 Portugal has more strictly enforced a long-standing law requiring anyone providing paid holiday accommodation to record the entry, exit, and identification details of all non-Portuguese nationals who use that accommodation. This law has been brought into force in Portugal and most other EU countries at some point since the gradual implementation of the 1990 Schengen Agreement that aims to stop human trafficking and other illegal practices. In this case, it is specifically Article 45 of the Schengen Agreement and the recent Alojamento Local law in Portugal that has brought this rule into sharper focus.".

[Sudsrung0]

@Ellen923 

Would it not be better to call the Embassy of the country you wish to visit? They are more qualified than Airbnb, 

I think I read some where on Airbnb web site advising you to check the local laws,