Much like at home, there are times when you might need to identify yourself while traveling. If you’re abroad, a passport is the be-all, end-all for personal identification, but some people are more comfortable stashing it in the hotel safe than carrying around such an important document in an unfamiliar destination. Did you know, though, that certain nations require tourists to carry their passport at all times? Those who get caught without it risk incurring fines — or worse. Here’s what you should know about when and where to carry a passport while traveling in a foreign country.

Countries That Require You To Carry ID

While it’s not an everyday occurrence, there’s always a chance that foreign authorities may stop you and ask to see valid identification so they can verify that you’re legally allowed to be in the country. For tourists, a state-issued driver’s license may not be considered sufficient, so a passport might be necessary. Failure to show a valid ID can result in hefty fines, temporary detention, and even arrest, so it’s important to be prepared.

In Europe, rules vary from country to country, even within the European Union. The countries below require foreign visitors to always carry a valid passport: 

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czechia
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Italy
• Latvia
• Malta
• The Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain

In Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, Poland, and Romania specifically, reports suggest a photocopy of your passport will suffice. In other countries, it’s required to keep your physical document on your person.

Similarly, in Japan, the law requires foreign nationals to carry their passport at all times. Those who fail to produce it can be fined the equivalent of several hundred U.S. dollars or even face jail time. Similar guidelines apply in China, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and other Asian countries. Always check to confirm local laws before you travel, as rules may change.

Heading to South America? Places such as Peru and Ecuador have strict rules that require tourists to carry valid passports at all times. Likewise, if you’re traveling south of the border to Mexico, you must keep a valid passport on your person. 

While this list isn’t exhaustive, it’s a glimpse into the wide range of nations that require visitors to carry a valid form of physical ID. Always research your specific destination before you travel.

How To Keep Your Passport Safe

If you’re required to carry your passport on you, you’ll want to keep it safe. Here are a few tips to keep your passport secure from pickpockets and other potentially perilous situations.

The safest practice is to keep your passport in a zippered bag or pocket on the front of your body. The zipper prevents someone from reaching into the bag and snatching it, and wearing it in front instead of around your back means that you’ll have eyes on the bag at all times. 

You may also consider stashing your passport (and other valuables like your phone and wallet) inside an anti-theft bag. These accessories often feature locking mechanisms that provide additional protection against pickpockets.

Additionally, there are a few habits to avoid. Never keep your passport in your rear pants pocket — or even the side pockets — as shifty thieves can easily snatch it on a crowded metro or busy street. Never leave your passport or bag sitting on a table or under your chair, either — not only can someone snatch it, but you might also forget it’s there when you get up to leave.

Countries That Don’t Require Carrying ID

Not every country requires you to carry valid ID at all times, of course. Among the popular tourist destinations that don’t have such regulations in place are the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, and Ireland, to name a few. 

Again, this list isn’t exhaustive, so we recommend you confirm the rules haven’t changed before your departure. In any case, it’s always a good idea to save a virtual copy of your passport on your phone just in case you lose it.