Should you carry your passport with you abroad?

While overseas, carry copies of your passport ID page and foreign visa with you at all times. If your passport is lost or stolen, report it immediately to the nearest embassy or consulate, or at 1-877-487-2778. Learn about travel regulations, local laws, and customs for your destination at travel.state.gov.



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In general, across Europe, you should carry either your passport or a copy of it. You are required by law to have a valid form of identification.

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Do you need to carry your passport at all times? No. But it makes for good identification should you need it.

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Yes, you have to carry your passport in Italy. Italian law requires that anyone in a public area must carry an identity document issued by their national government. According to the law of DLGS, 25 July 1998, N. 286, you are always required to carry with you the original passport in Italy.

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If your room has a safe, definitely leave the passport there. I once had a passport stolen, and getting temporary travel papers was a big hassle. I carry a driver's license on me and a photocopy of my passport on my phone. That plus looking like a tourist should be enough.

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All foreign visitors, including European Union (EU) nationals, must carry identification in the form of a passport or national identity card. French police may require visitors to show identification at any time, including when entering or leaving the country.

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Having a passport is one of the best ways to protect yourself when traveling abroad. Not only does it make life easier and more convenient, but if something goes wrong while you're away from home, such as losing your luggage or getting sick, at least you'll have something that proves who you are and where you're from.

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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.

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Never keep your passport in your back pocket. That pocket is called the “sucker pocket” for a reason. The very best way to keep your passport safe is to carry it on your person in an anti-theft pouch or money belt that is hidden under your clothes. Here is a selection of anti-theft money belts and wallets.

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Sullivan says your Social Security card and any identification or documents that include your Social Security number are perfect examples of what not to keep in your wallet. Those nine digits could make it easier for a fraudster to open loans or credit card accounts in your name.

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So, should you carry your passport with you in France? Yes, and no. French laws require that citizens and foreigners have valid identification documents when moving around. Moreover, they may also require evidence of legal status, which law officers can request at any time.

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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.

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Copies of all identification documents for travel
Having photocopies of your important travel documents can save you a headache if you lose your important travel documents. Keep your original documents in your carry-on or personal item. You can store one copy of these identification documents in each checked bag.

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It is part of the way things are done in Italy. The hotel has to report your details to the police. If the front desk is busy, they will want to hold the passport for a short time until they can take the details. There is no risk: many thousands of passports are handled this way every day.

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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.

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You'll want to designate a single compartment either in your personal bag or carry-on where your passport goes every single time you take it out and put it back. Ideally, you'll want to put your passport in a personal bag that is physically on your person at all times while you're moving through the airport.

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Three Ways to Check In You 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.

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How to Keep your passport safe at your hotel or Airbnb. To keep your passport safe, lock it up at your hotel. Use your best judgement based on the activities you'll be doing each day. If you leave your passport behind, lock it in a room safe or in the lockable compartment of your bag.

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