Should I carry my passport with me in Spain? (2024)

Should I carry my passport with me in Spain?

The keyword here is carry; they expect you always to have a valid ID when you are out and about. And since Spanish authorities do not recognize foreign documents besides the passport, your passport is your best bet.

Do tourists have to carry ID in Spain?

Everyone in Spain must carry government issued ID at all times, regardless of whether we are Spanish, an EU national, or a foreigner living or holidaying in the country.

Should I carry my passport or leave it in hotel safe?

Consider moving around the city with your driver's license instead, and leave your passport behind in the hotel safe. A screenshot of your passport, or any other form of ID will usually suffice in most scenarios.

Should I carry passport in Barcelona?

Spanish law requires that you have photographic identification with you at all times although a photocopy of your passport is often seen as sufficient.

Should I carry my passport at all times when abroad?

Conceal your passport: Exposing your passport leaves you vulnerable to thieves who may be lurking around you. As such, you should leave your passport out of sight unless you need to use it. So, if you're not boarding a flight or going through customs, you should not have your passport exposed.

Why do Spanish hotels take your passport?

These details help your accommodation provider complete the Spanish 'parte de entrada de viajeros', allowing them to maintain compliance with local laws and promote a safe and legal environment for vacation rentals.

What are the passport rules for Spain?

Valid passport or travel document: The document must be valid until three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen territory, and must have been issued during the ten years immediately before the date of entry. 2. Visa: For certain nationalities, a valid visa is required.

Should I carry my passport at all times 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.

Where do you put your passport when going through security?

The bottom line: always, always, always keep your passport on your person or in your personal item — one that will never be gate-checked.

Should I bring a copy of my passport when traveling?

Safeguard your passport. While overseas, carry copies of your passport ID page and foreign visa with you at all times. If your passport is lost or stolen, report it immediately to the nearest embassy or consulate, or at 1-877-487-2778.

Do hotels in Spain take your passport?

According to the Foreign Office's travel advice for Spain: "Hotels have a legal duty to register the passport details of tourists on check-in. "Wait until the hotel staff have registered your passport details or taken a photocopy of your passport. Don't leave it at reception to collect later."

How do I not get mugged in Barcelona?

Keep the purse or bag close to your body and in front or under your arm. Grip the bag tightly at all times, when you are in the Barcelona metro system. The safest place for a wallet is in your front trouser pocket with your hand around it! Never in your back trouser pocket.

Should I carry cash in Barcelona?

Bring cash in the foreign currency

We do not recommend carrying a lot of cash with you while visiting Barcelona. However, it is a good idea to bring a small amount of Euros cash in advance to cover some initial expenses like taxi, meal etc. until you can arrive at a bank or cashpoint to obtain some more money.

Should you keep a photo of your passport?

Exposing yourself to identity theft:

Having your passport in your photos might be handy for when you need to fill in a form and enter your passport details, but saving a photo of your passport page opens you up to accidentally sending someone the photo.

Should I carry my passport or passport card?

The U.S. passport book and U.S. passport card are both accepted as ID for domestic flights. You may not have heard about the U.S. passport card before. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel, but it is still a great ID to have in your wallet.

What happens if my passport is stolen in Spain?

If your passport is stolen or lost in Spain, you must file the appropriate report (loss or theft) at a police or Civil Guard station. Then make an appointment at a police station with an office that issues national identity documents, and go there.

Is it better to leave your passport in your hotel room or bring it with you while you travel abroad?

You should only carry your passport with you when you need it – otherwise, it should stay locked up. If you're going to take your passport with you, always keep it in a location that is hard to get to.

Why do European hotels keep your passport?

These hotels keep a record of passports to cross check for wanted criminals, look for missing persons, or protect against identity thieves. Of course, handing over your personal identification can be risky, even if you're giving it to a reputable hotel with (most likely) trustworthy employees.

What do Americans need to enter Spain?

When entering Spain, US passport holders are required to have the following documents: A valid US passport. The passport should have been issued within the last ten years, be valid for at least three months after leaving Spain, and have at least two blank pages. Proof of return ticket.

What medication is not allowed in Spain?

This states that "Spanish law allows you to carry your own personal medication for treatments of up to three months, as long as it is accompanied by a medical prescription... If you are transporting narcotics and/or psychotropic medication into the country you must get a permit issued by the Spanish health authorities.

What 3 documents do you need to enter Spain?

Do I need ETIAS in 2023?

When does ETIAS launch? Starting in 2025, travellers that currently do not need a visa to visit EU member countries will require an ETIAS.

How do I carry my passport in Europe?

Scan your surroundings and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Never openly display your passport, even when standing in the immigration line. Always conceal your passport to the best of your ability and make sure that it is secure in a zipped bag or money belt that is always with you.

Should I carry my passport card in my wallet?

Don't Store Your Passport or Passport Card in Your Wallet

A passport or passport card, like any government-issued photo ID, can be a weapon used against your finances if it falls into the wrong hands, ID-theft experts warn.

Should you carry your passport with you in Italy?

The Embassy recommends that you keep your passport in a safe place, and carry another form of ID, or a photocopy of your passport, with you while moving around Italy.