()— The days of arriving late to an Airbnb in Italy and opening key boxes to get in will soon be over after the country issued a ban on self-check-in under a new law it says is needed to combat potential terrorism .
In a move welcomed by those who fear the popular tourist destination is in danger of being overwhelmed by tourists, law enforcement will be deployed to ensure the removal of key boxes and keypads from self-check-in properties, according to the Ministry of the Italian Interior.
The ban represents a tightening of Italian law. All tenants, regardless of length of occupancy, must be registered with local police stations, but in recent years property managers have been sending photocopies or cell phone photos to a courier service to comply with the regulations.
Now they will have to do physical verifications in person.
The new regulation is necessary to “implement strict measures aimed at preventing risks to public order and security in relation to the possible accommodation of dangerous persons or persons linked to criminal or terrorist organizations,” according to the circular announcing the ban.
This comes as the city of Rome prepares for a rush of tourists for the Vatican’s Holy Jubilee Year in 2025 and Italy hosts the Winter Olympics in Cortina in 2026, events during which Airbnbs and other short-term rentals have already been reserved.
The decision to enact the ban was made “In light of the intensification of the phenomenon of short-term rentals throughout the country, linked to the numerous political, cultural and religious events scheduled, also in view of the Jubilee celebrations, which According to estimates, they will bring 30-35 million tourists to Italy,” the circular states.
Local governments have already welcomed the measure, which follows a ban on key boxes issued by the Tuscan city of Florence in mid-November.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri told he applauded the ban, saying padlocks and key boxes “deface our streets” and declaring it “good news for everyone.”
“I express my gratitude for a long-awaited decision, which clarifies and guarantees better prevention of abuses, more effective access controls and a first stop to unfair competition,” he said in a statement to .
Italy’s Tourism Minister Daniela Santanché called the ban an “essential step to prevent risks and ensure a peaceful and positive tourist experience.”
has contacted Airbnb for comment.
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