Can Tourists Carry A Passport Card Instead Of Their Passport While In Italy?

Losing your passport book is one of the worst things that can happen on vacation, which is why some travelers choose to carry a passport card instead. A passport card is a driver's license-sized document that contains your photo, date of birth, and other basic information, similar to your standard passport. It can fit conveniently in your wallet or money belt, making it easy to safeguard during a trip. In theory, that makes it perfect for a country like Italy, where tourists are expected to have their passport on hand at all times. However, according to Victoria Fricke (owner of luxury travel agency Vic's Vacations), it isn't actually so useful for an Italian vacation.

The travel expert revealed to us that tourists in Italy will need their passport book throughout their trip, and having nothing more than a card could get you into trouble. First, Fricke explains that you can only enter the Mediterranean country with a passport book — not a passport card — and not having this document will quickly bring your vacation plans to a halt. Even after going through airport immigration, it's common to be asked to show your passport book. "When you check into a hotel you're required to provide your passport as the form of ID to check in," the travel agent says, adding that the same goes for some tours.

"Simple ID checks" are one exception, according to Fricke. For instance, if you're asked to provide identification when buying alcohol, a passport card will suffice. In general, though, you should carry your passport with you everywhere in Italy.

When visiting Italy, a passport card isn't nearly as useful as your regular passport book. Most other international destinations also won't accept a passport card in place of a book. Victoria Fricke tells Explore, "A passport book can be used for any international travel, by any means. It costs $165 to apply for," adding, "A passport card can be used for crossing the border to Canada and Mexico via car/foot and as a form of identification. It costs $65." Additionally, the card works for U.S. citizens traveling by sea to Bermuda and Caribbean countries.

The cheaper fees associated with the passport card can make it appealing to some travelers, but given its limited function, it might not be worth the $65 at all. "Repeat after me: There is no point in having a passport card. Okay, maybe a slight point, but not really," Fricke asserts. "The biggest difference [between a passport book and passport card] to understand is you may not fly to a destination beyond the U.S. and be allowed entry with a passport card." If Italy and other faraway hotspots are on your travel bucket list, stick with a passport book.

A passport card can seem like a handy backup in case your passport book goes missing or is stolen. After all, Italy is among the destinations in Europe where you're most likely to get pickpocketed. Still, you won't get far without your regular passport, which is why Victoria Fricke suggests being extra careful to avoid it getting lost or stolen. "The biggest tip to ensure you don't lose your passport is to keep it on your person and not in an easy to access spot for pickpockets," she explains. "If you have a backpack, don't put it in the front outer zipper. If you're carrying a purse keep it in a pouch in the bottom of the purse or built-in zipper. If you have a belt bag, use a zip tie to clasp it so no one can undo it from behind."

If misfortune strikes and your passport book goes MIA while you're sightseeing in Rome or eating pizza in Naples, there are a couple of steps you'll need to take. First, Fricke says to file a police report in Italy and notify the local U.S. embassy. The embassy will issue a temporary passport using proof of your identity. The travel agency owner suggests keeping a photo of your passport on your phone or getting a copy of your birth certificate to speed up the process. Then, you'll be allowed to return home, where you can apply for a replacement passport.