Can You Be Fined for Not Carrying Your Passport With You Abroad? Here’s What Travel Experts Say

A passport in a carry on bag.Credit: Taylor McIntyre/Travel + LeisureKey PointsTravelers in several countries, including Japan, Italy, Spain, and Thailand, may be required to carry their passports during their visits.

For example, in Japan, short-term visitors must carry their passports at all times or risk fines of up to 100,000 yen.

Travel experts recommend using concealed money belts or secure pockets, protecting passports from damage, and keeping digital backup copies.

One of the first rules of international travel is to treat your passport like a precious diamond. When you're not using it, your passport should be tucked away somewhere safe and secure. After all, a lost or stolen document can lead to giant headaches, an anxiety-ridden trip to the local embassy, and potential delays returning home.

But in some destinations, it's required by law to have your passport with you at all times. Visitors in certain countries may even face fines if they're stopped by local officials without the document. "Japan is the clearest example," said Shari Erasmus, a Travel + Leisure A-list advisor and founder of Inspired Escapes. "Short-term visitors are legally required to carry their passport at all times, and failing to show it when asked can bring a fine of up to 100,000 yen [about $630 USD]."

Other countries that expect travelers to possess their passports at all times include China, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Egypt, Vietnam, South Korea, Peru, Thailand, Bolivia, and Russia. No matter where you're traveling, though, it's recommended to have at least a photocopy or digital copy of your passport on hand—remember, if you're stopped by local law enforcement, you may be subjected to a passport check.

"Rules change, so I always tell clients to check the requirements for each destination before they go," says Erasmus.

Hands holding a passport holder.Credit: Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure

While carrying your passport around a foreign city may seem like a gamble, you can decrease your chances of losing it by keeping it close to your body (just never place it in a back pocket or a bag with external zippers).

"A slim, RFID-blocking neck pouch or money belt worn under your clothing is ideal, or a zipped inside pocket of a crossbody bag worn in front," advised Erasmus. "Carry the passport separately from your cash and cards so one loss doesn't wipe out everything. And before any trip, store a scan of your passport somewhere you can reach from any device. If the worst happens, it makes replacement at the embassy much faster."

Craig Bevan, a former airline professional and founder of BeachSupplies.co.uk, echoed these sentiments, but added that most passport losses are actually a result of damage instead of theft—so make sure you're toting around your passport carefully. "A passport that gets wet on the beach or bent in a bag can cause real problems at the airport," he reminded, stressing that a plastic storage bag makes sense for another layer of protection.

Aside from providing identity during random checks, a passport can also be a gateway to local tourist stops and experiences. "You'll need the original for things like train tickets in China, tax refunds, some museum entries, and checking into a new hotel," shared Erasmus.

If you're not required to carry your passport at all times at your destination, store it in a hotel safe—and always carry another form of identification, such as a driver's license or a state-issued card. When it comes to globetrotting, you can never be overprepared.

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