Identity documents by country
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
Whether people must carry or show ID, and which documents are accepted for entry by EU and UK visitors. Pick a country for the full list of rules, each with its official source.
| Country | Duty to carry or show ID | National ID card compulsory for citizens | ID duty for foreign visitors | EU citizens may enter with a national ID card | Document for British citizens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Show on request (from age 16) | No: passport also counts | Show passport to immigration authority on request | Yes: ID card or passport | Passport, issued <10 yrs, valid 3 months |
| Netherlands | Show on first request (from age 14) | No: passport or licence also counts | Show ID on first request (from age 14) | Yes: ID card or passport | Passport, valid 3 months after leaving |
| United Kingdom | ⚠ Not yet verified | No national ID card | ⚠ Not yet verified | No, with exceptions | Valid British passport or certificate of entitlement |
| France | No set document; any proof of identity | No | Passport (and visa unless exempt) when checked | Yes: ID card or passport | Passport, issued <10 yrs, valid 3 months |
| Spain | Show DNI on request (from age 14) | Yes: DNI from age 14 | Must carry ID and show it when required | Yes: ID card or passport | Passport, issued <10 yrs, valid 3 months |
| Italy | No general duty; only if ordered | No: issued on request | Show passport/ID and permit when ordered | Yes: ID card or passport | Passport, issued <10 yrs, valid 3 months |
| United States | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Must carry registration card (aliens 18+) | No: passport required | Unexpired passport; visa or ESTA |
| Canada | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Produce documents an officer requires; hold entry document | ⚠ Not yet verified | Valid passport; eTA if arriving by air |
| Mexico | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Keep ID/status papers; show to migration authority | ⚠ Not yet verified | Valid passport; visa only if required |
| Ireland | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Non-nationals 16+: passport on demand | Yes: ID card or passport | Free travel (CTA); no document named |
| Australia | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Valid passport or travel document; visa unless citizen | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Poland | No duty to carry ID | Yes, for adult citizens living in Poland | ⚠ Not yet verified | Yes: ID card or passport | Passport, issued <10 yrs, valid 3 months |
| Portugal | ⚠ Not yet verified | Yes (obtaining the card) | Valid travel document, valid beyond the stay | Yes: ID card or passport | Passport, issued <10 yrs, valid 3 months |
| Belgium | Belgians must carry ID card from age 15 | Yes (Belgians, carry from 15) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Yes: ID card or passport | Passport, issued <10 yrs, valid 3 months |
| Czechia | Prove identity when the police ask | Yes, from age 15 with permanent residence | A foreign national must prove identity to the police on request with a travel document or residence-permit document. An EU citizen may show a travel document or another identity document that also proves citizenship of an EU member state. Foreign nationals may stay only with a valid travel document and, where needed, a residence permit. | Yes: ID card or passport | Passport, issued <10 yrs, valid 3 months |
| Hungary | Prove identity when checked | No, if another valid official ID is held | ⚠ Not yet verified | Yes: ID card or passport | Passport, issued <10 yrs, valid 3 months |
Before you rely on it
This comparison covers national rules. Regional or local rules can apply on top of them, and rules change. A rule marked “to verify” has not yet been confirmed against an official source. Each country page links to the official sources, and those are the place to confirm the details before you act.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.