is passport needed to book airbnb?

[painandmorepain]

We were booking a beach hut for a day via airbnb but it needed us to scan a copy of our passport. Is this level of security needed for all airbnb bookings? We wouldnt normally upload our passports online due to security concerns. Thanks

When I joined the Airbnb app I vaguely remember it insisted on passport level ID. It was a right pest as it was winter, artificial lighting, and it took ages. This was the phone app version, I don't think it was necessary when I booked on a PC before then.

I've never had to scan a copy of my passport and have used air bnb several times in multiple countries

You do have to verify your identity when you first register with Airbnb.

I used my driving licence when I joined Air BNB earlier this week. Not particular worried about it, as I’ve given more personal info including bank details to other apps!!

I think I had to send a photo of me holding id when I booked previously.

That's so strange! I've just checked my profile and I've not got any ID added to it, and have never been asked when making a booking. I haven't made a booking on over 6 months now, so maybe it's changed?

We've just booked for next year and we were required to provide a passport this time...have used them for a while so I'm guessing it's a new thing.....tho will pre warn you...the places we've tried to book have been rejected as they are double for next year even tho they show a quote price which is lower then what they are wanting

We are only using a pc not a phone. I only give a copy of my passport for a new bank account and then I take it to the branch. It seems excessive to book a beach hut for a day for £50. Would happily pay a refundable deposit but just concerned about fraud if passport is uploaded and not secure.

Some bookings I believe do request you to provide ID. I've done it once and never had to do it again, so my identity is now verified. It's mostly to do with the risk of terrorism. Hotels ask you to do the same if you haven't stayed with them before (Premier Inn ask me to produce a passport every time I book with them).

Fwiw, I had to add my ID in probably 2 years ago, so it's not a new thing. But not all bookings require it, so very much down to the owner. Obviously, it all comes back to them if there is a problem and they need to verify who stayed in their place.