If you’ve been planning a trip to Italy and worried about the hassle of coordinating in-person check-ins with your short-term rental host, we have excellent news. Italian courts have officially overturned the government’s controversial rule on face-to-face identification, restoring the convenience that seasoned travelers have come to rely on.

In November 2024, Italy’s interior ministry implemented a sweeping ban on remote check-ins for all short-term rental platforms, including Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. The policy required property owners to verify guest identities through face-to-face meetings, effectively eliminating the familiar sight of key boxes and digital lockboxes that had become synonymous with flexible, independent travel.

The ban emerged from security concerns, with Italian authorities arguing that in-person verification would help prevent individuals with dangerous backgrounds from accessing accommodations undetected. Police Chief Vittorio Pisani specifically stated that visual identity checks were mandatory – meaning digital ID verification through apps or email wouldn’t suffice.

For travelers accustomed to the freedom of arriving at any time and accessing their accommodations independently, this represented a significant shift. The timing was particularly challenging, coinciding with Italy’s preparation for the Catholic and the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina.

The created immediate complications for the type of independent travelers who typically choose short-term rentals over traditional hotels. Suddenly, flexible itineraries became rigid, with mandatory coordination required for every arrival.

Travelers found themselves dealing with set arrival times, increased communication requirements, and the stress of potential travel delays affecting their accommodation access.

The policy also created challenges for property owners, particularly those managing multiple properties or renting their primary homes while traveling themselves. The requirement for in-person meetings placed significant operational burdens on hosts who had built their rental strategies around remote management.

Last Tuesday, the Lazio administrative court (the “TAR”) that travel enthusiasts had been hoping for, officially annulling the interior ministry’s directive. The judges determined that the ban placed “excessive burdens on landlords” and went too far in restricting established rental practices.

This judicial intervention represents more than just a procedural victory – it acknowledges the practical realities of modern travel and the legitimate business models that have developed around short-term rentals. The court’s decision recognized that the convenience of self-check-in isn’t merely a luxury but an integral part of how many travelers plan and execute their trips.

With the ban officially overturned, travelers can once again expect the flexibility that makes short-term rentals attractive. However, it’s worth noting that individual hosts may still choose to meet guests in person – it’s simply their preference!

At From Home to Rome, we do not use key boxes located on the street under any circumstances, as they have recently been banned by the Municipality of Rome. Guests will be recognized, as was previously the case, through the app, which allows for completely digital identification in compliance with current regulations.

While the court’s decision restores convenience for travelers, it’s important to recognize the underlying concerns that prompted the original ban. Italy continues to grapple with overtourism challenges, and security remains a legitimate consideration as travel volumes increase.

The interior ministry has indicated it may appeal the court’s decision to a higher administrative court, although they’re waiting for the full reasoning behind the ruling before deciding. This suggests that while self-check-in is restored for now, the conversation about balancing convenience, security, and tourism management continues. If the ministry decides to go ahead, it may be months before a new ruling – so in the short-term, you won’t be affected by any new bans.

The best approach remains to stay informed about local regulations. The travel landscape continues evolving, and flexibility – both in planning and expectations – serves independent travelers well!