Yes, in 2026, it is a legal requirement in Austria for all foreign nationals to be able to prove their identity at all times. For non-EU/Schengen citizens, this officially means carrying your original, valid passport. While many travelers choose to carry a high-quality photocopy or a digital scan on their phone while keeping the original in a hotel safe, technically, an Austrian police officer or border official has the right to demand the original document. If you are an EU citizen, a national ID card is sufficient. The law is strictly enforced during spot checks, particularly on public transport near international borders or in high-traffic tourist areas in Vienna and Salzburg. Furthermore, you will almost always need your physical passport to check into a hotel or to claim a VAT refund on luxury shopping. To minimize the risk of loss, use a slim neck pouch or money belt, but do not leave it in your luggage; having the physical document on your person is the only way to ensure 100% compliance with Austrian residency and identification laws.