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From Times Online
March 11, 2008

Istanbul hotel kept my passport

Isabel Beveridge doesn't want to leave her passport in someone else's hands

The biometric ePassport
Julia Brookes

I have heard that some hotels in Istanbul ask to keep guests' passports during their stay. Can they insist on doing this? I don't like the idea of my passport not being in my possession at any time. - Isabel Beveridge, via e-mail

Times Travel expert Julia Brookes responds: Hotel owners in Turkey are obliged to provide a nightly report to the police of all guests in residence, so they do need to see your passport - but they don't need to hang on to it. It's best to take several photocopies before you leave home.

You can give one to the hotel and carry another around (along with details of tickets, travel insurance and hotel address).

Tourists have to carry an official ID with photograph while in Turkey, although a driving licence will usually suffice. Leave the passport locked in your hotel room safe or in a safety deposit box at reception.

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