It's worth noting that the passport is your only international identification document, so it's quite common and even expected that you may be asked to present it in various situations in a public place. ID checks may happen in train stations or other public areas.

In Italy, it is a legal requirement for everyone—including locals—to carry a valid form of identification at all times. Italian police, including the Polizia di Stato and the Carabinieri, frequently conduct "routine random checks" at major transit hubs like Roma Termini or Milano Centrale to ensure public security and discourage illegal activity. While it may feel personal to a traveler, these checks are often part of a broader effort to identify fugitives, monitor for illegal immigration, or disrupt petty crime and drug trafficking. In 2026, with increased security measures surrounding large-scale events like the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, travelers should expect a higher frequency of these requests. If stopped, you are required by law to identify yourself. For non-EU citizens, a passport is the only universally accepted legal ID; failing to produce one can result in being taken to a police station for identity verification, which can lead to significant travel delays.