TL;DR

• New EU law forces hotels to overhaul guest data management using secure digital standards.
• European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet: Guests will use a mobile "digital wallet" for fast, document-free check-ins.
• The system mandates strong identity verification, including vital deepfake protection to prevent fraud.
• This shift means faster operations, reduced paperwork, and enhanced guest privacy and trust.
• Hotels must prepare now (deadline 2026) by planning and investing in integrated solutions like YouID.

The hotel business is about to change in a big way. With the European Union’s new eIDAS 2.0 rules coming soon, hotels must completely rethink how they handle guest data management. This isn't just about following the law; it's a huge chance to make the guest experience much better.

This new regulation promises smoother, more secure stays for everyone. The catch? Hotels need to move fast and be ready.

Are you prepared to embrace this change?

What is eIDAS 2.0 and why should hotels care?

eIDAS 2.0, recently approved by EU countries, updates the rules for digital transactions across Europe. The key piece is the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet)—a secure, mobile place where people will keep their important documents digitally.

For hotels, this means guests can check in, prove their identity, and access their rooms using only this digital wallet, eliminating the need for physical documents.

The EUDI Wallet is a secure digital container on a guest's phone that stores everything needed for check-in. This makes sharing information easy and safe, removing the need for passport scans and minimizing the risk of lost or stolen IDs.

Guests will experience a smoother, more secure process. Stronger identity methods boost security and include crucial deepfake protection measures to stop fraud. Plus, guests remain in control, sharing only the necessary information to keep their personal data private.

For hoteliers, this means less paperwork, greater security, and more chances to offer personalized services. But time is running out—getting started now is essential.

How eIDAS 2.0 impacts hospitality

Here’s a summary of the benefits:

• Faster Check-ins: Guest data is pre-verified and shared instantly.

• Fewer Manual Tasks: No more passport scanning or filling out forms at the desk.

• Increased Data Accuracy: Less human error and duplicate entries.

• Enhanced Guest Privacy: Guests choose exactly what information they share.

• Improved Compliance: Meets both GDPR and eIDAS 2.0 requirements.

By moving away from physical IDs and manual processes, hotels gain efficiency and build guest trust—the two pillars of modern guest data management.

How to Get Ready for eIDAS 2.0 Now

With the deadline fast approaching (eIDAS 2.0 requires acceptance of digital wallets across the EU by 2026), delaying preparation could cause serious problems.

Here is your preparation checklist:

1. Develop a Strategy: Start planning immediately for a smooth transition before eIDAS 2.0 becomes mandatory.

2. Invest in Integrated Solutions: Look for data management technology that works with your current Property Management System (PMS) and prioritizes guest privacy and deepfake protection.

3. Prioritize Transparency: Be completely clear with guests about what data you collect and how you use it.

eIDAS 2.0 is more than a rule; it's an opportunity. Think of it as your chance to create a revolutionary guest experience: imagine faster check-ins, top-tier security, and seamless service that keeps guest data completely safe.

Don't just comply: lead the change

Hotels that act early won’t just meet the deadline; they’ll redefine modern hospitality. Explore how we built digital identity solutions that will help you optimize the front desk and be compliant here.