You should only carry your passport with you when you need it – otherwise, it should stay locked up. If you're going to take your passport with you, always keep it in a location that is hard to get to. If you carry it in your purse or travel bag, keep it zipped up in an internal pocket within your bag.

In 2026, the general consensus for tourists is to leave your physical passport in a secure hotel safe and carry a high-quality digital copy or a physical photocopy instead. Carrying your original passport on the street increases the risk of loss or theft, which can be a nightmare to resolve at an embassy. However, there are exceptions: some countries (like Japan or Spain) legally require foreigners to carry official identification at all times, and a "passport card" or a national ID is often acceptable. For those in 2026 utilizing "Digital Nomad" visas or tax-free shopping, you may need your original passport at the point of sale to process VAT refunds. A good middle ground is to use a digital wallet on your phone to store a verified scan of your passport, while keeping the physical book locked away unless you are crossing a border or checking into a new hotel.