Should you travel with all your passports?

We recommend keeping your old passport in a safe place as it is considered proof of your U.S. citizenship. If your old passport is linked to a valid visa, you can still use the valid visa. You must travel with both your new and old passport in this case.



If you hold multiple citizenships, the general rule for 2026 travel is to carry all your valid passports, but use them strategically. You must always enter and leave a country using the same passport to avoid "overstay" red flags in digital immigration systems. For example, if you are a dual US-UK citizen, you must use your US passport to enter the United States and your UK passport to enter the UK. Carrying both allows you to choose the most advantageous line at "Third Country" borders—for instance, using an EU passport for faster entry into the Schengen Area while traveling as an American. It is a high-priority safety tip to keep your "secondary" passport in a separate, secure location (like the hotel safe) while you carry your primary one during daily excursions. This provides an instant "emergency ID" if your primary passport is lost or stolen, allowing you to reach an embassy and prove your identity far more quickly than someone with no backup documentation.

People Also Ask

U.S. nationals, including U.S. dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. U.S. dual nationals may also be required by the country of their foreign nationality to use that country's passport to enter and leave that country.

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Leave Your Passport at the Hotel Although your passport is required as an ID when travelling abroad, you don't really need to carry it around with you everywhere. Consider moving around the city with your driver's license instead, and leave your passport behind in the hotel safe.

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As a rule, it's always good idea to keep copies of your passport hidden in different compartments of your carry-on or other pieces of luggage. It's also a good idea to make sure a friend or a family member has a copy of your travel documents.

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If you are in Spain (no matter what country you are from), you must carry a valid ID card or passport at all times, and failure to do so could see the police detain you temporarily whilst they ascertain your identity, and furthermore, it is within their rights to issue a fine.

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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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Most regions will not let you through unless you can show your U.S. passport, which should meet the requirements covered earlier. So, should you carry your passport with you in Europe? Yes! If you don't have a valid passport, Travel Visa Pro can help you get one in just days.

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In Spain, hotels are legally bound to register the passport details of the tourist when they arrive. Previously, this was a way of making sure that customers didn't leave without settling their bills.

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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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Answer. Use the hotel safe. There's a greater chance you'll lose it or that it'll be stolen from your bag or pocket than it being stolen from the safe. Plus you can use a secondary lock hotel room safe for additional security of the safe.

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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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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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Many Airbnb's offer safes. If they do not have a safe, I would put it inside a piece of luggage that can be locked. In general, most thieves are not after your passport and are looking more for valuables such as electronics, jewelry, and cash.

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Your Passport No, you can't use a photo of your passport to travel. However, having a photo handy can make it easier to replace your passport if it's lost. Snap a quick shot of the inside, so you can see your passport number and other info.

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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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