Photo ID required for NI Hotel Check In???

An Riabhach

I'm wondering if anyone could shed some light on this.

I have booked accommodation in a hostel in Belfast next month for two nights.When I was booking it online,it said that Photo ID would be required on arrival.When I was confirming my booking by email,I explained that I do not carry a passport or drivers licence as I don't travel abroad and I don't drive,and I asked what other forms of identification would they accept.When they replied confirming my booking,they simply said:
You will just need a Photo ID.

This just leaves me even more confused.
I mean,what exactly is a photo ID,especially if it is without a passport or drivers licence?
I feel like such an eejit askin this,but I would really appreciate any advice or opinions.
Thanks in advance.

Miaireland

That is a bit of an odd one. I have never come across it in Ireland. I know some countries take a copy of your id and register it with the local police (Italy etc)

Maybe they just want to be certain that you are who you say you are and that the details they have for you are correct in case you cause damage etc.

Do you have a work place id, a garda age card or a student/school card?

MrWalsh

Id reply back and ask them to clarify exactly what form of photo id is acceptable?

Actually, just ring them and ask.

testaccount123

Miaireland wrote: »

That is a bit of an odd one. I have never come across it in Ireland.

Most hostels ask for ID, in Ireland & elsewhere.

Mrs OBumble

Garda Age Card is probably your only option. Unless you have a work-ID with a photo on it, some places will accept that.

As stated, this is very common in backpacker hostels in Ireland and elsewhere.

An Riabhach

I've stayed in quite a few hostels in different parts of the country over the last 4 years and I've never been asked for Photo ID,so this is a first.
I dunno about the Garda age card,because I'm 37 years old.
I'm wondering now would a Garda ML-10 form be the only option?

jlm29

Maybe one of those new public services cards would do. But then again, that's very unhelpful if you haven't been called in to get yours already!

ted1

Most hotels I've stayed in have required a copy of a passport at check in

Greenmachine

Pretty common in europe but never seen it in Ireland.

athtrasna

Better suited to the travel forum

Mod

An Riabhach

jlm29 wrote: »

Maybe one of those new public services cards would do. But then again, that's very unhelpful if you haven't been called in to get yours already!

Another dead-end there unfortunately....
I've looked up the Public Services Cards and they are only available to people who are getting some form of social welfare payments.

I wish this country could introduce some kind of a card or document for this purpose because I'm pretty sure there are plenty of others in the same predicament.They were prepared to spend millions on new postcodes,so why not introduce something like this?

jlm29

Any chance you could just find a cheap b&b, and save yourself the hassle?

highlydebased

Just in case, Premier Inn dont ask for id if settling by card. They might be an option for you? (if pricier perhaps)

An Riabhach

The pricey side would be the problem to be honest,with a b&b and with Premier Inn.
I'll stick with this hostel coz tis budget accommodation,I'll get an ML-10 form from the Gardaí,I'll bring me birth cert,a recent letter or bank statement addressed to me,my tv licence and a photograph.I dunno what more they can ask for after that.

jaymcg91

How did you open a bank account without photo ID? Or did you open it before they became so stringent with ID requirements?

Maybe long term you should think about getting a passport for ID purposes.

ceecee14

Gaurda age card, you can get one at any age and they are only something like a tenner. Easiest option I'd say.

jlm29

An Riabhach wrote: »

The pricey side would be the problem to be honest,with a b&b and with Premier Inn.
I'll stick with this hostel coz tis budget accommodation,I'll get an ML-10 form from the Gardaí,I'll bring me birth cert,a recent letter or bank statement addressed to me,my tv licence and a photograph.I dunno what more they can ask for after that.

Maybe get the gardai to sign the photograph!

testaccount123

An Riabhach wrote: »

I'm pretty sure there are plenty of others in the same predicament.They were prepared to spend millions on new postcodes,so why not introduce something like this?

I doubt there are many adults with no form of photo ID in Ireland. Get a garda ID.

robinph

You booked it online, you used a card of some description to pay for it, show them that same card and they are generally happy.

keithclancy

Never needed ID in Ireland, Visa card was usually enough.

In Holland if you book with a foreign address you must show ID.

In Germany you always have to show ID, Belgium too.