Italy Enforces In-Person Check-In for Holiday Rentals to Enhance Security

The Italian government has implemented a new policy mandating that owners of short-term holiday rentals conduct in-person check-ins for guests, aimed at improving security and preventing potential risks associated with anonymous stays.

Italy's police chief has announced a significant policy change concerning short-term holiday rentals and check-in procedures. As part of a security initiative, tourists visiting Italy will no longer be able to utilize key boxes or other remote check-in methods that allow them to access rental properties without meeting their hosts in person. This decision reflects growing concerns over visitor safety and has been inspired by similar actions taken in the city of Florence.

The rising trend of short-term rentals, coupled with the convenience of key boxes, has elicited criticism from various quarters. Detractors argue that these systems symbolize the broader issue of overtourism, with complaints about their visual detriment contributing to local environments. Police Chief Vittorio Pisani emphasized the need for heightened security measures to minimize risks associated with housing individuals linked to criminal activities or terrorist organizations.

In an official communication to local prefectures, Pisani outlined the obligations imposed on accommodation managers, emphasizing the necessity for face-to-face identity verification for all guests. This measure is deemed crucial in light of the current global political climate and numerous upcoming events, particularly the Catholic Church's anticipated Jubilee celebrations in 2025.

The decision received support from Rome's Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, who hailed the order as a means to ensure more stringent controls on guest access and mitigate unfair competition within the rental sector. As short-term rentals increasingly blend into Italy's tourism landscape, these new regulations reflect a commitment to balancing visitor accessibility with public safety.