Self check-in in Italy: what you can do after the Council of State ruling

Updated 12 October 2026

Applies in Italy: the rules in this article are for agriturismi, B&Bs, campsites and other holiday accommodation in Italy.

In short. With ruling no. 9101 of 21 November 2025, Italy's Council of State confirmed that guests must be identified "de visu": you have to check that the person matches the document. A live video call or video intercom is allowed. An ID uploaded online plus a door code is not enough.

Over the last two years self check-in in Italy has been banned, allowed, then banned again. If you've missed an episode, you're in good company. Here's where things stand, in order.

The timeline, in short

What does the ruling say?

The starting point is article 109 of the TULPS, a 1931 law. Hosts may only accommodate people with a valid ID, and must check that the document really belongs to the person in front of them.

Simplifications in recent years changed how data is sent to the police (that is, Alloggiati Web). They did not remove the duty to look the guest in the face. According to the Council of State, the 2024 circular didn't create a new rule: it simply restated an existing one.

What can you do?

• Identify the guest in person on arrival.
• Identify them remotely with a live tool: video call, video intercom, systems that match the face with the document.
• Collect details and document photos before arrival with an online check-in. It's useful and saves time, but it doesn't replace identification.

What is not enough?

• An ID uploaded online with no check on the person.
• Automatically sending a door code.
• A key box with no visual check at all.

What changes for an agriturismo?

For many agriturismi, not much: there's almost always someone on site. It matters for late arrivals, apartments away from the main building and the days the restaurant is closed. In those cases it pays to decide in advance: a latest arrival time, an agreed video call, a member of staff on duty.

Where does Fattore come in?

Fattore does the part that can be done in advance: guests complete online check-in, their details are ready when they arrive and the Alloggiati Web registrations start from there. Identification stays with you, in person or on video. We don't open doors, and for now that's fine. More in the modules.

Frequently asked questions

Is self check-in banned in Italy?

Check-in with only an uploaded document and a door code is not enough. Check-in with live remote identification (for example a video call) is allowed.

Does it apply to agriturismi too?

Yes. The rule covers all accommodation businesses and short-term rentals in Italy.

Does online check-in still make sense?

Yes: you get the details earlier and welcome guests faster. You just need to add identification.

Want to see an online check-in that follows the rules? Try the live demo: a sample agriturismo with real-looking data, so you can click through rooms, bills and guest registrations without signing up. Prefer a guided tour? Book a 30-minute call.

Sources

• Diritto.it · In-person identification and remote check-in: the Council of State decision (Italian)
• Quality Travel · Self check-in, Council of State: always in person, technology allowed (Italian)
• Open · Short-term rentals, the Council of State overturns the court (Italian)
• Il Sole 24 Ore · Short rentals, self check-in ban falls (spring 2025)