Should you carry your passport while sightseeing in Europe?
You cannot travel to Europe because you will not pass immigration or airline checks. Moreover, when you get to Europe, you will still need your passport as it is your identification document. You can use it to book hotels, get local SIM cards, prove your identity to the authorities, and move from one region to another.
Leave Your Passport at the Hotel
A screenshot of your passport, or any other form of ID will usually suffice in most scenarios.
Conceal your passport: Exposing your passport leaves you vulnerable to thieves who may be lurking around you. As such, you should leave your passport out of sight unless you need to use it. So, if you're not boarding a flight or going through customs, you should not have your passport exposed.
Traveling with Your Passport
Guard your passport carefully. Keep it in your money belt, and if you're asked to show it, put it back in your money belt right away. Thanks to a series of treaties known as the Schengen Agreement, there are virtually no border checks between most European countries.
So, should you carry your passport with you in France? Yes, and no. French laws require that citizens and foreigners have valid identification documents when moving around. Moreover, they may also require evidence of legal status, which law officers can request at any time.
Keep the Passport in a Safe Place
A small, portable lockbox may be a better option. If you need to keep the passport on your person, there are other options. Avoid leaving the booklet in a back pocket, as this is ideal for thieves. A money belt attached to your body would be the safest, portable option.
This may be required including when checking into hotels or private accommodation, as well as for entry to sports and other entertainment events. The Embassy recommends that you keep your passport in a safe place, and carry another form of ID, or a photocopy of your passport, with you while moving around Italy.
Leave your passport at the hotel.
Your secondary form of ID — a driver's license, non-driver identification card — and a copy of your passport are perfect to carry around with you and will most likely be all you'll need.
Once inside France, American tourists are not required to carry their passports at all times; a student card or driver's license is usually sufficient if you are asked by a police officer for identification. Carry your passport separately from your wallet or handbag.
Copies of all identification documents for travel
Having photocopies of your important travel documents can save you a headache if you lose your important travel documents. Keep your original documents in your carry-on or personal item. You can store one copy of these identification documents in each checked bag.
What is the safest way to carry a passport in Europe?
The very best way to keep your passport safe is to carry it on your person in an anti-theft pouch or money belt that is hidden under your clothes.
Starting in 2025, U.S. passport holders traveling to Europe will need to apply for authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before their visit.
When does the ETIAS go into effect? ETIAS goes into effect in 2024. Travelers from countries that currently enjoy visa-free travel to the European Union will need an ETIAS authorization for travel beginning after the program begins.
Many European hotels check your passport in addition to asking for a credit card for incidentals. In most cases, you only need to show your passport at check in, or, rarely, leave it overnight.
As for carrying passport everywhere -- best to leave it in hotel, that's what I always do and just have a photocopy of the info page on me. We've used such copies in shops for detaxe and as ID/proof of age for my teen daughter.
Leave Your Passport at the Hotel Although your passport is required as an ID when travelling abroad, you don't really need to carry it around with you everywhere. Consider moving around the city with your driver's license instead, and leave your passport behind in the hotel safe.
Safeguard Your Documents!
Make two copies of all your travel documents in case of emergency. Leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative at home and carry the other separately from your original documents. To help prevent theft, do not carry your passport in your back pocket, and keep it separate from your money.
No, you can't use a photo of your passport to travel. However, having a photo handy can make it easier to replace your passport if it's lost. Snap a quick shot of the inside, so you can see your passport number and other info. And remember: in case of lost or stolen documents, call 24-Hour Hotline Assistance for help.
One of the most simple yet effective ways to protect your travel documents is by using plastic bags, specifically zip-lock ones. These bags are not only waterproof, but also keep your documents organized and easily accessible.
According to the law of DLGS, 25 July 1998, N. 286, you are always required to carry with you the original passport in Italy. It isn't legally valid to carry a photocopy, but it should be enough.
Is it safe to leave passport in hotel in Italy?
Yes, it is law to carry original passport (not a printed copy) on your person when traveling in Italy (keep copy in hotel room safe). If you keep your valuables and devices secure, you should not loose anything to a pickpocket attempt.
Italian hotels require guests to provide their documenti (in this case, your American passport), so they can make a photocopy of your main passport page. This serves as your proof of identity for the hotel. Each guest must have a photocopy of their passport taken by the hotel.
Many countries have laws requiring foreign visitors to register with the local police. By taking your passports the hotels are doing this for you (and it's not their decision - it's the law - they have no choice). If the hotel didn't do this for you, you would have to find a local police station and register yourself.
Never openly display your passport, even when standing in the immigration line. Always conceal your passport to the best of your ability and make sure that it is secure in a zipped bag or money belt that is always with you.
Some local or national governments require hotels to record the passport number and name of every foreign guest, and that information might have to be submitted to local authorities. In the European Union, member states are technically required to validate your identity through your passport upon check-in.
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