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Should you make a copy of your passport when traveling internationally?

Make two copies of all your travel documents in case of emergency. Leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative at home and carry the other separately from your original documents. To help prevent theft, do not carry your passport in your back pocket, and keep it separate from your money.



Yes, making both physical and digital copies of your passport is one of the most highly recommended safety measures for international travel. In 2026, most travel experts suggest carrying a physical photocopy hidden in your luggage and a secure digital version (such as a password-protected PDF or a photo in a secure cloud drive) accessible from your phone or any internet-connected device. The primary reason is that if your original passport is lost or stolen, having a copy—which shows your passport number, issue date, and personal details—significantly speeds up the replacement process at a local embassy or consulate. It serves as immediate proof of your identity and citizenship, which is vital in a foreign country. Furthermore, many countries require travelers to carry identification at all times; carrying a photocopy while leaving the original in a secure hotel safe prevents the risk of the primary document being damaged or stolen during your daily activities. For added security, you should also give a copy to a trusted friend or family member at home who can provide the details to you in an emergency.

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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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The officer scans your passport to see basic info: Name, date of birth, country of citizenship, etc. The passport page containing that basic info also shows a 'code key' that, when scanned, grants access to the chip which contains the same info.

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The airlines computer system may use the information to flag to staff to carry out a manual documentation check to make sure that you have a suitable visa in your passport for the destination you are travelling to, in addition to meeting any other conditions for travel (eg, return/onward ticket).

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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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Passport. app is the new way to manage your passport. Safely store your passport on your phone for secure access on-the-go. Keep track of expiry dates and save money by avoiding expensive last-minute renewals.

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Even if no one tries to travel on your passport, it could still leave you vulnerable to identity theft. Someone could use your passport for criminal purposes, such as opening a bank account as part of a money laundering process.

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