You can allow guests to scan an identity document or take verification photos during kiosk and online check-in. This pre-fills their check in form with information the system scans from the document and adds the information to their customer profile. Guests can scan passports, ID cards or driver’s licenses depending on how you set it up. You can also activate verification photos during kiosk and online check-ins so guests can take a picture of themselves. The system then displays this picture in their customer profile for an added layer of security. When scanning an identity document, such as an ID or Passport, with the Mews Kiosk, the system only extracts data from the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) of the document. If you want to add information that is outside the Machine Readable Zone, you must enter it manually.

In this article you can learn about the following steps to activate identity document scans and verification photos during check in:

• Step 1: Configure scan and photo requirements
• Step 2: Add reason for identity document scan
• Step 3: Activate rear cameras for Mews Kiosk
• Step 4: Configure automatic deletion of identity documents and verification photos

 

Step 1: Configure scan and photo requirements

1. In Mews Operations, go to the main menu  > Settings > Property > Guest experience > Check in form. 
2. Click the Verification tab, then:
   • Verification photo: To allow guests to take a photo of themselves to verify their identity during kiosk or online check-in, under Reservation owner, click Required or Optional.
   • ID photos: To allow guests to scan their documents during kiosk or online check-in. This option stores the ID scan in the guest’s customer profile. Under Reservation owner, click Required, Optional or Default.
   • ID verification: To allow guests to scan their documents during kiosk or online check-in. This option does not store the ID scan in the guest’s customer profile. Under Reservation owner, click Required, Optional or Default.
   • Note:
     • You can allow other guest types to take verification photos, ID photos or ID verifications by checking the Other adults or Children boxes and clicking Required, Optional or Default.
     • If you select Optional, guests can skip this step.
     • If you select Default, the system asks guests to scan their ID when providing ID data as defined in the legal environment for your property location.
3. Click the Documents tab, then:
   • Type: Click to select the type of document the guest can scan to pre-fill their check in form, for example, passport, ID card or driver’s license.
   • Visibility: Click to select Required or Optional.
   • In the new section, select the visibility requirements for each field and each type of guest. Note: If you select Default for ID photos or ID verification, Mews suggests you select Default here as well. 
4. Click Save.

 

Step 2: Add reason for identity document scan

1. In Mews Operations, go to the main menu > Settings > Services > Bookable service > Documents. 
2. Click + Document.
   • Under Type, click Message for ID scan > Create.
     1. In the new screen, enter the following details:
        • Add translation: Click to select from the dropdown any translations you want to enter from the available languages.
        • Content: Enter a reason for the identity document scan. For example, “We are asking you to scan your ID for verification purposes. This helps us speed up the check in process and welcome you when you arrive. The data you share will be stored securely and only used to verify your identity.”
     2. Click Save.
   • Under Type, click Message for Verification photo > Create.
     1. In the new screen, enter the following details: 
        • Add translation: Click to select from the dropdown any translations you want to enter from the available languages.
        • Content: Enter a reason for the verification photo. For example, “We use your image as part of our security verification during the arrival process at our hotel. After your stay is completed, your image is deleted from our systems.”
     2. Click Save.

 

Step 3: Activate rear cameras for Mews Kiosk

Note: This step is only required if your property has set up the Mews Kiosk. Ensure your kiosk device is using v4.38.0 or higher.

1. In Mews Operations, go to the main menu  > Settings > Services > Bookable service > Kiosks > Select a kiosk.
2. Under Options enabled, click to select Use rear camera to scan ID’s in guest mode.
3. Click Save.

 

Step 4: Configure automatic deletion of identity documents and verification photos

1. In Mews Operations, go to the main menu  > Settings > Property > Guest experience > Guest data retention.
2. Under Identity documents and verification photos, enter how many days after check out the system should keep the data before deleting it.
3. Click Update.

Note:

• The system only deletes identity scan and verification photo data if the guest does not have a future reservation at your property or another property within the chain.
• The action log displays when the system deletes the data.

This activates identity document scans and verification photos in kiosk and online check-in. If you do not set up automatic deletion, you can view these documents at any time by accessing the guest’s customer profile.