Should you carry your passport with you in Europe?

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.



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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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Owning ID is obligatory - but carrying it isn't A similar rule applies to foreigners during their stay in Germany. Under EU law, anyone who takes advantage of free movement should have a passport (or acceptable alternative) with them when crossing the border and keep hold of it for the duration of their time here.

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Failure to produce a valid identity document is a criminal offence. U.S. citizens are required to carry a U.S. passport book or valid Dutch residence permit.

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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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Although in most European countries there are no passport border checks, companies can refuse to board you if you do not have a travelling passport (or some other ID proving that you are in Europe legally).

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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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In much of Europe, the only travel document a US or Canadian citizen needs is a passport. (The US Passport Card works only for those driving or cruising to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.)

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The U.S. Department of State recommends that travelers have a photocopy of their passport information before going to international destinations. It's a very smart move to put your copy of your information in a completely different place in your luggage than your actual passport.

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Failure to produce a valid identity document is a criminal offence. U.S. citizens are required to carry a U.S. passport book or valid Dutch residence permit.

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DON'T have one family or group member carry everyone's passport; never put all of a group's passports in the same bag or briefcase. Hold your purse or shoulder bag tightly under your arm when in crowds. Keep it on your lap or in full sight in restaurants and public places.

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