You must be at least 18 years old to book an Airbnb reservation

Airbnb requires all account holders who make reservations to be 18 or older. This is a hard rule — you cannot book a stay, list a property, or hold an active reservation if you are under 18, even with parental permission. The age requirement applies in every country where Airbnb operates.

The 18-year minimum exists because Airbnb treats booking a stay as a legal contract between you and the host. You are responsible for payment, for following house rules, and for any damage that occurs during your stay. Airbnb cannot enforce these terms against someone who is a minor, so they require the account holder to be an adult.

If you are under 18 and want to stay somewhere through Airbnb, an adult must book the reservation under their own account and take legal responsibility for it.

Key Takeaways

  • The account holder who books the reservation must be 18 or older; Airbnb verifies age when you create an account.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian can book the stay under their account, but they are responsible for payment and any house rule violations.
  • Some hosts set their own minimum age requirement higher than 18, so you may not be able to book certain properties even if you meet Airbnb's minimum.
  • Airbnb asks for a government-issued ID to confirm your age; a passport, driver's license, or national ID card all work.
  • If you misrepresent your age when creating an account, Airbnb will cancel your reservation and may ban you from the platform.

How Airbnb verifies your age

When you create an Airbnb account, you enter your date of birth. Airbnb does not verify this information automatically — they accept what you type. However, if you attempt to book a stay, Airbnb may ask you to upload a photo of a government-issued ID to confirm your identity and age.

Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, passport, national ID card, or similar document issued by a government body. You photograph both the front and back of the ID and upload the images through the app or website. Airbnb's system checks that the ID is valid and that the birth date matches what you entered on your account.

This verification does not happen for every booking — Airbnb uses it selectively, especially for first-time bookers or when a host requests it. If you cannot or will not provide ID, Airbnb will not let you complete the reservation.

What happens if you are under 18 and want to book

If you are under 18, you cannot create your own Airbnb account or make a reservation. The straightforward option is to ask a parent, guardian, or trusted adult to book the stay under their account. They will handle payment, receive the confirmation and check-in details, and be the contact person for the host.

The adult who books is responsible for the entire stay. If you damage the property, violate house rules, or cause problems, the host will contact the account holder (the adult), not you. The adult may also be charged a damage fee or cancellation penalty if something goes wrong.

Before asking an adult to book for you, make sure they understand what they are agreeing to. Show them the property listing, the house rules, and the cancellation policy so there are no surprises.

Hosts can set their own age limits higher than 18

Airbnb's minimum is 18, but individual hosts can require guests to be older. Some hosts set a minimum age of 21, 25, or even 30 for their properties. This is especially common for entire homes or properties in quiet neighborhoods where hosts want to reduce the risk of parties or noise complaints.

When you look at a listing, scroll down to the "House Rules" section to see if the host has set an age requirement. If they have, you will see it listed there. If you do not meet the host's age requirement, you cannot book that property — Airbnb will not let you send a request or make a reservation.

If a listing does not mention an age requirement in the house rules, the host is accepting guests who are 18 or older.

Age requirements for listing a property on Airbnb

If you want to become a host and list your own property, you must also be 18 or older. Airbnb requires hosts to be adults because they are responsible for maintaining the property, handling guest communication, and managing payments and taxes.

Hosts go through a similar ID verification process. You will need to provide a government-issued ID and confirm your legal name, address, and date of birth. Airbnb also requires hosts to have a valid payment method on file.

If you are under 18 and own or have access to a property you want to list, an adult will need to create the host account and manage the listing.

What to do if your account is suspended for age misrepresentation

If Airbnb discovers that you misrepresented your age when creating your account, they will cancel any active reservations and suspend or permanently ban your account. You will lose access to the platform and any money in your account may be forfeited.

If you made a genuine mistake — for example, you entered the wrong birth year by accident — contact Airbnb Support through the app or website and explain. Provide a clear photo of your ID showing your correct date of birth. Airbnb may reinstate your account if they believe the error was unintentional, but there is no may provide.

The safest approach is to enter your real date of birth when you create your account. If you are under 18, wait until you turn 18 to create an account, or ask an adult to book for you in the meantime.

Traveling with minors as an adult

If you are 18 or older and want to book an Airbnb for a trip that includes people under 18, you can do so. You are the account holder and the person responsible to the host. The host's house rules may specify whether minors are allowed and how many guests can stay in the property.

Some hosts do not allow guests under a certain age, or they limit the number of minors per booking. Check the listing details and house rules before you book. If the listing says "not suitable for children" or sets a minimum age for all guests, the host will not accept your reservation if you plan to bring minors.

When you check in, be honest about who is staying in the property. If the host discovers that you brought guests who violate their stated rules, they can ask you to leave, charge you a fee, or report you to Airbnb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an Airbnb if I am 17 and will be 18 before my stay?

No. Airbnb checks your age at the time you make the reservation, not at the time you check in. You must be 18 when you book. If your birthday is coming up soon, wait until after it to create your account and make your reservation.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

You will need one to verify your age if Airbnb asks for it. A passport, driver's license, or national ID card are the most common forms. If you do not have any of these, you may not be able to complete a reservation. Contact Airbnb Support to ask what other forms of ID they accept in your country.

Can my parents book an Airbnb for me if I am 16?

Yes. Your parent or guardian can create an Airbnb account under their name and book a stay for you. They will be the account holder and responsible for the reservation. Make sure they understand the house rules and cancellation policy before they book.

Do I have to be 21 to book an Airbnb?

Airbnb's minimum age is 18, not 21. However, some individual hosts set their own minimum age at 21 or higher. Check the house rules on the listing to see if the host has set a higher age requirement. If they have not, you can book if you are 18.

What happens if a host discovers I am under 18?

The host can cancel your reservation and report you to Airbnb. Airbnb may suspend your account. You could lose any money you paid for the stay. It is better to have an adult book for you from the start.