Airbnb's Minimum Age to Book as a Guest

You must be at least 18 years old to book a reservation on Airbnb as a guest. This is a firm requirement across all countries where Airbnb operates. Airbnb verifies your age during account creation and again when you attempt to make your first booking, so you cannot work around this rule by using someone else's account or providing false information.

If you are under 18 and want to stay somewhere through Airbnb, a parent or guardian must create the account and make the booking in their own name. They will be the person responsible for the reservation, the payment, and any house rules or damage that occurs during the stay. The host will expect to communicate with the account holder, not with younger guests.

Some hosts add their own restrictions on top of Airbnb's minimum age. They may require guests to be 21 or older, or they may not allow anyone under 25. These restrictions appear in the listing details before you book, so you can see them when you search for properties.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18 years old or older to create an Airbnb account and make a booking as a guest.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian can book on your behalf using their own account and will be held responsible for the stay.
  • Individual hosts can set their own age requirements higher than 18, and these appear in the listing before you book.
  • Airbnb checks your age when you sign up and again when you book, so you cannot use a false date of birth.
  • If you are 18 or older but do not have a government ID, you may still need to provide other forms of identification to verify your age.

How Airbnb Verifies Your Age

When you create an Airbnb account, you enter your date of birth. Airbnb stores this information and uses it to confirm you meet the 18-year minimum. You do not need to upload a government ID just to create an account, but Airbnb may ask for one later if there is any question about your age or identity.

Before your first booking, Airbnb may request a photo ID to verify your information matches what you provided during signup. This is more common if you are booking a high-value property, if the host has requested ID verification, or if your account activity looks unusual. The ID can be a driver's license, passport, national ID card, or other government-issued document.

If you cannot provide a government ID, you may be able to verify your identity through other means, such as linking a credit card or connecting your account to social media profiles. The exact options depend on your country and Airbnb's current policies in your region.

Age Requirements for Hosting on Airbnb

To become an Airbnb host and list a property, you must be at least 18 years old. The same age verification process applies: you provide your date of birth during signup, and Airbnb may request a government ID before you can publish your first listing.

Some regions have additional rules. In certain countries or states, you may need to be 21 or older to host, or you may need to hold a business license or permit. Check Airbnb's hosting requirements for your specific location before you start the signup process.

If you are under 18 and want to host a property, a parent or guardian can create the host account in their name. They will be the official host, will receive the payments, and will be responsible for taxes, local regulations, and any issues that arise with guests.

What Happens If You Misrepresent Your Age

Providing a false date of birth when you sign up violates Airbnb's terms of service. If Airbnb discovers that you lied about your age, your account can be suspended or permanently deleted. You will lose access to any bookings you have made, and you may not be able to get a refund for reservations that are already confirmed.

If you are under 18 and want to use Airbnb, the straightforward option is to have a parent or guardian create and manage the account. This keeps everything above board and protects both you and the host from complications later.

Age Restrictions Set by Individual Hosts

Beyond Airbnb's 18-year minimum, individual hosts can set their own age rules. A host might require guests to be 21, 25, or even 30 years old. These restrictions are the host's choice and appear in the listing details under "House Rules" or in the property description.

If a host has set an age minimum higher than 18, you will not be able to book that property unless you meet their requirement. Airbnb will block your booking attempt if your age falls below what the host has set. This is why it is important to read the full listing before you spend time filling out a reservation request.

Hosts often set higher age minimums because they want to reduce the risk of parties, noise complaints, or property damage. Luxury properties and homes in quiet neighborhoods are more likely to have strict age requirements.

Traveling With Minors Under 18

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 will be the account holder and the person responsible for the reservation. The minor does not need their own Airbnb account.

However, some hosts do not allow guests to bring children or teenagers. Others have specific rules about the number and age of minors allowed. These policies are listed in the property description, so check before you book. If you are unsure, you can message the host directly to ask whether your group composition works for them.

You are responsible for making sure that everyone in your group follows the house rules and treats the property with respect. If minors in your group cause damage or break the rules, you as the account holder will be held liable.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Airbnb checks your age at the time you make the booking, not at the time you check in. You must be 18 when you complete the reservation. If your birthday is coming up soon, you can wait until after that date to book.

What if a host asks me for ID in person when I arrive?

Some hosts request to see a government ID when you check in, especially if they have not verified your identity through Airbnb yet. Bring a valid ID with you. If you cannot provide one, the host may refuse to let you stay, and you could lose your booking payment.

Can my 16-year-old book their own Airbnb for a school trip?

No. Your teenager must be 18 to create an account and book. A parent or guardian will need to create the account, make the booking, and be the official guest. The parent is responsible for the reservation and any issues that occur.

Do I need to tell the host that I am bringing teenagers with me?

You should mention it if the host has not already set a policy about minors. Some hosts welcome families and teenagers, while others prefer adult-only guests. A quick message to the host before you book can prevent problems after you arrive.

What if I lost my ID and cannot verify my age?

Contact Airbnb support and explain your situation. They may accept other forms of identification, such as a credit card statement with your name and date of birth, or they may allow you to verify through a connected social media account. The options vary by location.