Aussie travellers heading to Italy have been warned to always have their passport on them when sightseeing rather than leaving it at their accommodation
In accordance with Italian law, non-European visitors must have their passport on them as a form of identification if requested by police during a random check.
In many cases a copy is acceptable, but the officer may ask for the physical version to conduct a full identity check.
Failure to do so poses a potential risk, depending on the officer, as the law states that a foreigner should present a passport if requested by a police, according to Travel Visa Pro.
A conversation sparked in a popular Facebook group after an American woman asked if others always have their passports on them when travelling or not.
Many revealed they prefer to keep the passport locked away in the safe and only take a photo copy around with them over fear of pickpocket thieves.
Though the vast majority admitted they keep their all-important passport on them 24/7 in a secure money belt hidden under their clothes.
‘We asked police this question while there. They said to carry it with you,’ one traveller wrote.
Aussie visitors travelling to European cities are encouraged to have their passport on them as a form of identification just in case a police officer conducts a random ID check
‘It’s the law and they are doing many more paperwork checks at random now. If you only have a copy or do not have it on you, you are breaking the law and at the very minimum there is a hefty fine,’ another said.
However, it doesn’t state that failure to present a passport will result in a fine. And police usually patrol high traffic places such as airports and train stations.
But others aren’t willing to take any chances.
‘Carry them everywhere, it’s the law. You’re guests in Italy you should abide by their laws. Your other IDs and drivers licenses are useless there,’ a third added.
One American said she was ‘lectured by a rental car agency’ to get a national ID card, whereas Australia doesn’t have such a card.
Failure to do so poses a potential risk depending on the officer, as the law states that a foreigner should present a passport if requested by a police
Others said they had no idea about the Italian law and said they tend to leave the passport in a safe.
‘My passport is always locked in safe in hotel room. I carry copy with me and my drivers license. Too many things can happen if you’re carrying it with you,’ one wrote.
‘The only time I have needed it immediately was spot checks on the train and checking in to hotel,’ another said.
One more added: ‘I was just in Italy the last two weeks of June. We carried our passports with us in our crossbody bags (in front across our chests). Some places require them, especially for kids under 18.
‘I never felt like someone was going to take my bag. Keep copies of your passports in your luggage in the hotel and leave copies at home just in case you lose your passport.’
This highlights the importance of researching the laws, rules and restrictions for every new place you visit before arriving at the destination.
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