Heading to Europe? You Might Be Required to Carry ID

So many of us dream of heading to Europe, whether that's one specific country we've had our eye on for some time, or several.

It's a big trip, though, especially for travelers from the US or Canada. Not to mention, there are a lot of things you need to be aware of before you book.

Some travelers are required to get a visa for Europe, and thus must adhere to Schengen visa requirements. Others will need ETIAS in the coming months. For some, travel insurance is mandatory.

That isn't even the entire list of things you need to consider.

Sometimes, when we're thinking about all of the yellow tape we have to go through to travel, we forget about local laws and rules that will be there waiting for us when we arrive... like whether or not you're required to carry ID on you.

We're going to take a look at which countries in Europe require you to carry identification.

Where are you required to carry ID?

There isn't a "universal" policy in the European Union or the Schengen area that states its visitors have to carry identification at all times.

Instead, the rule is left up to each country. Countries can decide whether or not they require their visitors to have their passports (or another form of ID) with them while out and about.

In Austria, your passport must be readily available

According to the UK Government, you must be able to easily access your passport when in Austria. If asked by Austrian authorities and your passport isn't on you, you must be able to get it quickly for them.

The British Government recommends carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport with you. They also note that Austrian authorities do not accept UK driving licenses as official ID documents.

You must carry your ID at all times in Belgium

It's a law in Belgium, and police can even detain foreigners who aren't carrying the required ID. You can also be subject to a fine.

When you're visiting Belgium, make sure that you carry the proper identification with you at all times. For foreigners, this would be a valid passport.

If you're a third-country national who is legally living in Belgium, make sure you have your residence card on you.

Make sure you have valid ID in Bulgaria

The UK Government states that travelers to Bulgaria should "Always carry ID". A printed copy of the photo page of the passport will suffice if you don't want to carry your original, physical passport with you when you're out and about.

Carry your passport in Croatia

According to the British Government, you should always carry your passport on you when you're in Croatia. If you're a resident, you should have your Croatian ID card.

Croatian authorities can ask to see your ID at any time, so it's important that you have it on you, just in case.

You must carry your passport at all times in the Czech Republic

Travelers are legally required to carry ID at all times. If you don't have it on you and you're asked to present it to authorities, you can be fined, or worse, arrested.

The US Government recommends carrying a copy of your passport with you instead of your actual physical document. That said, the UK Government notes, "They will normally accept a scan of your passport if you have not committed a crime."

The French tourism board says you must carry your ID

The official France Tourism Board website states that all foreign visitors (even those from the EU) must have their passport or national identity card on them at all times, and that French policy can ask visitors to present it at any time.

According to the US Embassy in France, US citizens don't necessarily need to carry their passports; instead, "a student card or driver's license is usually sufficient."

In Germany, your ID must be readily accessible

The German government says that foreigners must be able to show their ID (and surrender it) on request. This includes passports.

Carry your passport with you in Greece

Both the British and US Governments state that travelers should always carry their passports with them when traveling to Greece, and that police can ask to see them.

They also note that local authorities may not accept a copy of your passport, so make sure that you're carrying the original.

You must carry your ID with you in Hungary

According to the Irish Embassy in Budapest, you are legally required to carry photo ID on you when you're in Hungary.

If a Hungarian official asks to see your ID, you must be able to present it, and a photocopy won't cut it.

In Italy, you can be asked to present ID

The UK government says that you should carry photo ID on you at all times when you're in Italy. This is because under Italian law, authorities can stop you at any time to check your identity.

In case of a random check, you should have your passport on you, especially if you've rented a car, in case you've been pulled over or there is an accident.

You should have your passport on you in Latvia

The official Latvia tourism website says that you should carry your passport with you when visiting Latvia.

Have your ID ready in Malta

Maltese police can ask you to present your ID at any time. If they do, you must be able to easily retrieve it. According to the Maltese government, you typically have 24 hours to present it when questioned.

It's mandatory to carry your passport in the Netherlands

For everyone 14 or older, it's required by law to carry your passport at all times in the Netherlands (or your Dutch residency card if you live there).

Have ID on you in Poland

The UK government says that travelers should always carry ID on them when visiting Poland, and that a photocopy of the photo page of your passport is usually sufficient.

Carry your identification in Portugal

The Irish Government states that travelers need to carry identification at all times in Portugal, as it is Portuguese law.

You must carry photo ID in Romania at all times

According to both the Canadian and Irish governments, travelers in Romania must carry valid photo ID on them at all times. This is because Romanian officials can ask you to provide proof of identity at any time.

Both governments say that a photocopy of your passport is typically enough.

You must carry your passport in Slovakia

Travelers must carry a passport at all times when visiting Slovakia.

The British Government states that travelers can be fined up to 1600 euros if they don't show their ID to police when it's asked for.

You should carry your passport in Slovenia

When visiting Slovenia, travelers should carry ID on them at all times, according to both the Canadian and Irish governments.

If you are asked to present photo ID and can't, you could be fined right then and there, and the fines are steep. According to the Irish Government, you could be fined hundreds of euros.

You can be asked to prove your identity in Spain

If you're traveling to Spain, you can be asked to prove your identity by local authorities. If you're unable to do so, you can be held at a police station until your identity has been confirmed.