Answered7 years ago

Do hotels in Thailand keep your visa like in Vietnam?

Thailand travel Visa regulations Passport policy Accommodation rules Expat advice

Kelly *********

asked Jan 4, 2020

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Just about to visit Thailand for my first time.  Do hotels ask to keep your visa during your stay like In Vietnam?

Answer summary

In Thailand, hotels do not keep your visa or passport during your stay. They typically only make a photocopy of your passport for their records. This practice differs from Vietnam, where some hotels may request to hold onto your passport. It's important to note that keeping a passport is illegal for accommodations in Thailand. Travelers advised not to leave their passports with accommodations.

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Kelly *********

Thanks for the comments.

I don't leave my passport anywhere. In Vietnam they keep it to put in the safe for safe keeping or if you want to pay at the end of your stay.

7 years ago

Alessandro **********

Keeping a passport is a method which was widely used in many socialists countries (eg former Soviet Union). However I just happened to be asked for it only one time in HCM city last year. I said this wouldn't be possible as the purpose of my visit to Vietnam was to apply for a spouse visa for Thailand thus I would need it for the Thai consulate. They nodded and they returned my passport after taking a photocopy of it. So I just think it's a few alpha commies mind, I was never required to leave my passport anywhere in Vietnam.

7 years ago

Mitchell *******

I have never had anyone (Hotel or bike rental) keep, ask to keep, take a copy, or ask to take a copy of my passport. But I don't stay in hostels.

7 years ago

Jhona ***************

No. It's actually illegal for any form of accommodation to keep your passport or visa in that case.

However, we experienced in Vietnam that the hostel kept our passport until we checked out.

7 years ago

Ivan ************

@Jhona *********************

what law makes this illegal? It's certainly not required but I don't think it's illegal either.

7 years ago

Dieter *******

No they just need to see it and copy it ....for the record

7 years ago

Mike ********

If you check in with a Thai friend give the receptionist they’re id,.it saves the hotel a lot of work reporting your stay ,. Mainly the small places seem to favour this method,.

7 years ago

Mitchell *******

(For clarification) - When I say take her ID, they took the details and gave her ID right back to her.

7 years ago

Mitchell *******

I noticed this on my last trip (ended a few days ago). I said my friend will need a key, but she isn't staying the night, but will be back in the morning. The hotel said "Let me take her ID. It will be easier for us." I didn't know what they meant. Now I do. Thanks.

7 years ago