Passports on the train

You should have asked her. I am guessing -- probably not. Was she checking everyone?

Thanks for posting your experience Beckie! I'm glad you had them too!

I'm guessing this was a day trip?

I wonder if she would have accepted the picture of it on our phone.

Most likely not.

I wonder if she would have accepted the picture of it on our phone.

Honestly? It probably comes down to the officer. They should detain you until a passport can be produced, but then that may cause some work. If they could write you a fine and move on, then they likely would do that; but to a degree they assess what the risk might be and make a decision based on that.

There is often discussion on here, regardless of requirements, as to whether to carry or not, but if traveling on public transport, always have it.

Still the old question --- Better to have it and not need it or need it and not have it.

The foreigner who, at the request of public security officials and agents, does not comply, without justified reason, with the order to produce the passport or other identification document and the residence permit or other document certifying the regular presence in the territory of the State is punished with imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to 2,000 euros. If there is reason to doubt the foreigner's personal identity, he or she may be subjected to biometric checks (art. 6 of Legislative Decree no. 286/98 paragraphs 3 and 4).

In real life an American tourist would not run a high risk of being arrested, especially if in possession of a US driver's license and a copy of the US passport, in any case there is always a risk, and it is best to carry the passport at least when going out of town, beyond walking distance from the hotel where one may have left the passport.