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.

Whether you should carry your physical passport while walking around Europe in 2026 depends on the local laws of the specific country, but carrying it is generally recommended for non-EU citizens. In many European countries, such as Spain, Italy, and Germany, the law requires everyone to carry a valid form of government-issued photo identification at all times. For Americans, Brits, and other non-EU travelers, a passport is the only universally accepted ID for this purpose; a driver's license often does not legally suffice for immigration checks. Furthermore, as the Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS are fully implemented in 2026, police may occasionally perform spot checks to verify your legal stay duration (90/180 day rule). However, because of the risk of theft in tourist hotspots, many travelers carry a high-quality color photocopy or a digital scan on their phone while keeping the original in a hotel safe. If you choose this "safe" route, be aware that a strict officer may still insist on seeing the original document, which could result in a trip back to your hotel or a fine.