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ID required for entering some places

Wondering if we can bring our ID pictures that have been taken and saved on my phone for entering some places. We don't want to lose our passport since we will be out pretty much all day long. Anyone has any experience?
Thanks in advance!

Posted by
3514 posts

In Europe, the only ID that is accepted as ID is your passport when required to show it, unless you are a resident of a European country and have a national ID. Also, they will want a physical document. A photo of a document is not an ID.

Posted by
11056 posts

Bring your driver’s license along to leave when renting audio guides at museums. I would not want to leave my passport so always bring license with me.

Posted by
26840 posts

Someone--I think Chani--has recommended the Naval Museum in Madrid and mentioned that you need your passport there. I would not expect a photocopy to be accepted in that situation. In museums that ask for ID in exchange for a rented audioguide device, a driver's license is normally fine.

On a very few occasions when asked for a passport (not in Spain recently), I've offered a copy and had it accepted, but on other occasions I was told the official document was needed. If I know I'll be asked for ID, I carry the real thing with me. I would not be happy to have to go back to my hotel to get it.

If you're thinking of high-demand attractions for which you've bought tickets in advance and been told you need to present your passport for entry (I think the Alhambra requires this), I would absolutely take my passport. They are trying to prevent ticket scalping, and I would expect no mercy if I showed up without my passport.

Posted by
7453 posts

There have been some reports of people purchasing online tickets for sights in Spain (the Alhambra came up I believe) and needing your passport for ID and ticket pickup, in that case a DL did not work.

Posted by
3150 posts

I’ve surrendered my passport numerous times in Spain and other European countries and always had it returned. In some countries, it is mandatory to carry your passport. As a backup should something go awry, I naturally have photo copies and digital pix. I also carry a passport card which has been accepted at museums in lieu of my passport.

Posted by
10344 posts

The Alhambra in Granada required us to show passports to enter.

Posted by
50 posts

I suggest you always bring your passport with you especially when you plan on entering sights. Always be cautious and make sure you keep it with you all the time. Never really had a problem with bringing it with me when touring around because I always make sure I look after my things and I never leave them unattended.