Requirements and regulations around surveillance devices

Our goal is to provide a trusted platform that puts safety and security first for both customers and partners. That trust begins with transparency. We expect partners to proactively inform customers of the presence of any kind of surveillance or recording devices located inside or outside of their accommodation. (See below for more information on the areas where surveillance devices are and are not allowed.)

The Facilities & Services section of the extranet should be used to inform potential guests about any surveillance devices placed outside of the property or in common areas. This information will then be displayed transparently in the Safety & Security section of your property’s listing on Booking.com. 

To prevent any misunderstandings, particularly in home accommodation settings, we recommend that you inform guests about the presence of surveillance devices before they arrive - for example, using Guest Partner Chat.

Violating these requirements and disclosure guidelines may result in a warning, suspension or termination of your contract with Booking.com. 

Furthermore, you are responsible for ensuring that any use of surveillance devices is consistent with local laws and regulations, including but not limited to privacy laws. 

What kind of device needs to be disclosed?

Surveillance devices that must be disclosed include anything (any device) that can be used to monitor, capture, record or transmit images, audio, video or even motion. Common examples include - but are not limited to - (professional) CCTV, WiFi cameras, video doorbells with integrated microphones and cameras, decibel monitors and motion detectors. No secret recording devices are allowed. 

Where are surveillance devices not allowed?

Private areas:

• Areas of the property that are exclusively rented by guests.
• Areas where guests have a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g. changing rooms, toilets, showers, spas, saunas, or shared bedrooms in hostel environments).

Where are surveillance devices allowed?

CCTV outside property: Surveillance devices are allowed in outdoor areas such as entryways, gardens, parking garages or access roads leading to the property. 

CCTV in common areas:

• Common areas may differ depending on property type but typically include areas that are shared by guests like lobbies, elevators, stairways, restaurants, laundry facilities, kitchens and dining areas. If a property is rented in full by a booker, such areas are not considered common areas. 
• The lens of any camera or recording device that is placed in a common area cannot be directed towards or include private areas.

To indicate the presence of security devices in the extranet: 

1. Click the Property tab.
2. Choose Facilities & Services.
3. Scroll down to the Safety & Security section and indicate the presence of any CCTV devices.