Though your passport is a form of I.D., you probably won't need to tote it around with you all day once you've reached your destination. According to the US Department of State, one of the safest things you can do is secure your passport under lock and key at home or your hotel as you would with any other valuable.

This is a debated topic in 2026, but the general consensus is that leaving your passport in a secure hotel safe is usually safer than carrying it on your person daily. While some countries legally require you to carry original identification, a high-quality color photocopy or a digital scan on your phone is often sufficient for daily interactions with local authorities. Carrying your original passport increases the risk of loss or theft, especially in crowded tourist hubs prone to pickpocketing. However, if your accommodation does not provide a reliable in-room safe or a secure front-desk lockbox, you should carry it in a concealed money belt worn under your clothing. Regardless of your choice, you should always keep a digital backup in a secure cloud service to facilitate a replacement if the original is lost.