Italy Cracks Down on Self Check-Ins for Short-Term Rental Guests, Bans Key Boxes

Citing security concerns, Italian officials are cracking down on self-check-in options for short-term rental properties; Italy now bans key boxes used by short-term rental owners and requires owners/managers to verify identification in person in order to complete a valid guest check-in.

According to a circular obtained by AFP on Tuesday, Italy Police Chief Vittorio Pisani said his office “confirms the obligation imposed on the managers of accommodation facilities of any kind or type to verify the identity of guests by means of a visual check” amid a “delicate historical moment at an international level.”

The security measure follows a push back in several historic cities against “overtourism,” including bans in Florence, Italy on key boxes used by short-term rental landlords.

The boxes allow guests to access their accommodation without meeting their hosts, and sending copies of identity documents via email or message on check-in had become common practice.

The move comes not only as Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms gain momentum across the country—sparking overtourism concerns—but just weeks ahead of the Catholic Church’s highly anticipated Jubilee Year in 2025.

Pisani said the order was issued in light of the “intensification of the phenomenon of so-called ‘short-term rentals'” such as Airbnb throughout Italy, as well as “the numerous political, cultural and religious events being planned”, including the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee celebrations.

More than 30 million people are expected in the Italian capital for the Jubilee: 12 months of events held roughly every 25 years.

“The need has arisen to implement stringent measures aimed at preventing risks to public order and safety in relation to the possible housing of dangerous persons and/or persons linked to criminal or terrorist organizations,” Pisani added.

Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri lauded the decision, calling it a “more effective control on access, and a first brake on unfair competition.”

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse and was augmented by content from Barron’s/AFP. Contact My Journey Begins Travel if you are planning travel to Italy in 2025; we will help you navigate this and the eventual implementation of the ETIAS border entry protocol, as well as helping you create an itinerary and book your desired travel arrangements.