Do Hostels Have Age Restrictions? [Under 18, 21+]

Hostels
Written By Taz Zaidi

Do Hostels Have Age Restrictions?

Some hostels have age restrictions, others don’t.

In most countries, 18 years old is the minimum age to book accommodation as the primary guest (secondary guests can be younger than 18 if the primary guest is older than 18). In some other countries (and in parts of the US), the minimum age to book is 21 years old.

In this guide, we’ll cover hostel age restrictions.

I’ll explain how age restrictions apply to hostels, how to stay in a hostel if you’re below the minimum age in your destination, as well as how upper-age limits may apply in some hostels.

*Agoda.com is a great place to find deals on hostels. For today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.

Do Hostels Have Age Restrictions?

Many jurisdictions require hostels to follow the same rules as hotels, which often includes age requirements. In most countries, the minimum age to book travel accommodation is 18. In other countries, and in parts of some (like USA), the minimum booking age is 21. Some hostels allow solo guests who are 16 years old.

So what does this mean for you?

If you’re 21 or older, you likely don’t need to worry about being too young to book a hostel as a primary guest. If you’re under 21 (especially if under 18), and are unsure about the minimum booking age in your destination, search “what is the minimum age to book a hostel (in your destination)” on Google.

*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.

How To Stay In A Hostel If You’re Under The Minimum Booking Age

If you’re too young to book a hostel in a particular destination, your next best option is to be a secondary guest on a booking made by someone who meets the age requirement. In most cases, if you check in with someone who meets the minimum booking age, you are allowed to be their secondary guest.

If you’re traveling alone, or if nobody in your group meets the age requirement, you could ask your legal guardian to write a note stating that you have their permission to stay in a hostel as the primary guest. You can ask a hostel if they’ll accept this as permission for you to book/stay (the hostel might not accept it!).

*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.

Do Hostels Have Upper Age Limits?

A hostel may impose a maximum age limit to keep its guest demographic within a certain range. If a hostel does have an upper-age limit, that information should be outlined for potential guests to see (in the listing). If not, the host should notify guests who are too old before confirming or accepting their booking. Always read a listing’s full description prior to booking it.

*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.

Conclusion

Hopefully you found this guide helpful.

Hostels are an affordable, accessible accommodation. Age restrictions will not be an issue most of the time. But if you’re under 21, it’s worth checking if there’s a minimum booking age in your destination. To learn more about hostels, explore our other guides below.

Enjoy your travels!

How To Find Discounts On Hostels In Your Destination

For great deals on a wide variety of accommodation (including hostels, budget hotels, resorts, apartments, homes, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and unique or alternative types), use the Agoda widget below. Just input your destination and dates, then browse the results! Or to go directly to Agoda.com, click here.

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Taz Zaidi [Author]
Taz Zaidi [Author]

Taz Zaidi is an American travel writer and the founder/creator of TRVLGUIDES.com. Connect with him on Instagram (@tazzaidi) or on his personal website, at tazzaidi.com.

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Taz Zaidi
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