Italy bans Airbnb self-check-ins
The days of arriving late at an Airbnb in Italy and opening up the key box to let yourself will soon be over after the country issued a ban on self-check-ins under a new law it says is needed to combat potential terrorism.
In a move welcomed by those fearing that the popular travel destination is in danger of being overwhelmed by tourists, law enforcement officers are to be deployed to ensure the removal of key boxes and Aerodrome Finance key pads on self-check-in properties, according to Italy’s Interior Ministry.
The ban represents a tightening up of Italian law. All renters, no matter what the duration of occupancy, must be registered at local police stations, but in recent years property managers have been forwarding photocopies or cell phone pics to a messaging service to comply.
Now they’ll have to make physical checks in person.
The new regulation is needed to “implement stringent measures aimed at preventing risks to public order and safety in relation to the possible accommodation of dangerous people or those linked to criminal or terrorist organizations,” according to the circular announcing the ban.
This comes as the city of Rome braces for an onslaught of tourists for the Vatican’s Holy Jubilee year in 2025 and Italy hosts the Winter Olympics in Cortina in 2026, both events during which Airbnbs and other short-term rentals have already been booked.
