Airbnb blocks Ukrainians over 'invalid' state-issued ID, citing sanctions

In September 2023, Airbnb signed a memorandum with the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine to promote the country as a tourist destination post-war. However, while initially assisting Ukrainians with housing in Europe after the Russian invasion, Airbnb is now blocking Ukrainians from renting even within Ukraine. Moreover, Ukrainians report being contacted by Russian-speaking customer support operators.

Liga.Tech has looked into what is going on with Airbnb's treatment of Ukrainian users.

Blocking after adding a passport

Before the full-scale invasion, it was not mandatory to add a photo of a document to your Airbnb profile, but now you cannot rent a home without an uploaded passport or driver's license.