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 (typically, secondary guests can be younger than 18 if the primary guest is at least 18). In some countries (and in parts of the US), the minimum age to book a hostel (or other lodging) 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 under the minimum age in your particular destination, as well as how upper-age limits may apply in some hostels.

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Do Hostels Have Age Restrictions?

Many jurisdictions require hostels to follow the same rules as the local hotels, which often includes age requirements. In most countries, the minimum age to book travel accommodation is 18 years old. In other countries, and in parts of some countries (such as the 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.

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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 would probably be to be a secondary guest on a booking made by someone who does meet the age requirement. In most cases, if you check in with someone who meets the minimum booking age, you should be 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. To better the odds, you can also ask a hostel if they’ll accept this as permission for you to book/stay prior to arriving to the property.

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Do Hostels Have Upper Age Limits?

Some hostels impose a maximum age limit to keep their guest demographic within a certain range (this is typically 18-35). If a hostel does have an upper-age limit, that information should be clearly outlined for all potential guests to see (in the listing). If not, that host should notify the guests who are too old prior to confirming or accepting their booking. As a guest, always read a listing’s description prior to booking.

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted hostel dorms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s hostel deals, 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!

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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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