Is a hotel allowed to make a copy of my passport?

When you go on a holiday, it may be that an employee of a hotel, bed and breakfast, holiday park or campsite asks for your passport or ID card. What exactly this person is allowed to do with your identity document varies for each country.

In the Netherlands, a holiday accommodation is not allowed to make a copy, scan or photo of your identity document. Noting down some data from your passport or ID card, such as your name, is allowed. But noting down your citizen service number (Dutch BSN) is not allowed. Does an employee nevertheless make a copy of your identity document and are you unable to work it out together? Then you can first submit a complaint to the holiday accommodation and then to the AP.

Did you know that you are allowed to ask the holiday accommodation which data they process of you? Take a look at what your privacy rights are, such as the right of access to your data and the right to removal of your data.

In another country, a hotel may be allowed to make a copy of your identity document. Read how this works within and outside Europe. You can always ask the employee why making a copy is necessary. And if noting down some data will do as well.

Tip: Is a copy of your identity document really necessary? Use the KopieID app (in Dutch) of the Dutch central government. With this app on your mobile telephone, you can make a safe copy.

Extra tips: privacy-proof during the holiday period

Cybercriminals are also active during the holiday period. See, for example, what you can do to prevent yourself from becoming the victim of a data breach. Install a password manager, for example. And be alert to phishing emails, such as emails about a free holiday or the confirmation of your booking. Want to do a quick check of your work email? Take a look at the tips for safely working from home or safe remote working.