There is a law in Spain that tourists need to carry their passports or national ID cards with them at all times, in case they are stopped by any police force.
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You could be arrested or fined if you break the law. Local police, sometimes dressed in plain clothes, can require you to produce identification to establish your identity upon request and detain you for further questioning. Carry a photocopy of your passport with you as proof of your identity.
In any event, it'll certainly take some time, and it's not going to be a particularly pleasant process. The bottom line: always, always, always keep your passport on your person or in your personal item — one that will never be gate-checked.
Should You Carry Your Passport With You in Europe? A passport serves many roles, but most importantly, it identifies travelers in foreign countries. Moreover, per international air travel standards, all passengers must have passports. Even if you plan to cruise to Europe and back, most cruise lines require a passport.
The best way to carry passport while traveling through borders is using travel underwear or a money belt! Just remove it when needed to show the border patrol officer as discreetly as possible.
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.
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.
Anyone who is travelling to Spain has been warned not to leave their passport at the reception of their hotel when they check-in. In Spain, hotels are legally bound to register the passport details of the tourist when they arrive.
Definitely, if you lose your bag or someone steals it and you had your passport in that bag , then it's an additional trouble that could have been avoided if you have left your passport at the hotel. If your room has a safe, definitely leave the passport there.
Border crossingsSpain has FOUR European land borders. Two are with Schengen countries (France and Portugal), so routine immigration and customs checks do not take place on crossing the border - see the Schengen Agreement section below for more information.
While it is quite rare to be asked for ID in Barcelona, it is actually a legal requirement to carry a valid ID or passport in any case, so best to carry it with you.
Keep an eye (and a hand) on your bagIf you're carrying a backpack, keep your wallet and phone in your front pockets if you can. On the metro or in very crowded touristic areas, wear your bag in front.
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) allows eligible travelers to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device.
Three Ways to Check InYou will then need to bring your luggage to a staffed counter or checked luggage station. Airline staff will need to check your passport either at the time of check-in or at your gate.
Yes, it will show up as an object made of (probably) paper, maybe with a chip in it. The chip might give it away as specifically a passport, if the security person manning the system was actually looking for that. But their primary role is to look for weapons and other potential hazards to flight safety.
Two PassportsAs a dual citizen, you are allowed to carry passports from both countries. For example, if you are a U.S. citizen and also a citizen of New Zealand, you can travel more easily between these two countries.
You'll need your passport to clear airport security and immigration, sure. But in instances internationally where you're asked to present identification, specifically note whether or not the actual passport is required—in most cases, an international driver's license or copy of your passport will suffice.
Security ReasonsOne of the primary reasons hotels require ID at check-in is to ensure the safety and security of their guests. By verifying your identity, hotels can better protect their guests from potential risks and maintain a secure environment.