Visitors to Italy will now have an extra step in their Airbnb check-in process as the country has banned lockboxes for home rentals.

According to Italy's Interior Ministry, as reported by CNN, a ban on lockboxes and automated entry systems has been imposted for Airbnb and short-term rentals. With the ban in place, guests using home-sharing or other services will now need keys the old-fashioned way, by personally meeting the the property owner to get the keys, versus entering a code or using a key lockbox to gain entry.

"The need has arisen to implement stringent measures aimed at preventing risks to public order and safety in relation to the possible housing of dangerous persons and/or persons linked to criminal or terrorist organisations,” Italy’s Police Chief Vittorio Pisani said in a notice obtained by news service AFP via Barron's.

The lockbox was an easy way for hosts and guests to share keys, especially for  guests arriving during the overnight hours due to a late-night train or flight. The new rules are designed to increase safety and security by verifying the occupant of the home during the reservation.

However, in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure, Airbnb says they take safety and security seriously, and that the self check-in options, which include keypad and lock boxes, make it easier for guests and hosts. 

“While we remain committed to promoting responsible hosting and ensuring that our platform continues to offer safe and enjoyable experiences for everyone, we look forward to working with the Italian government on solutions that help address local safety concerns while meeting the needs of our hosts and guests community,” Airbnb shared with T+L.

The rule has been implemented ahead of the 2025 Jubilee in Rome where over 35 million tourists are expected to visit the city for the religious celebration.