Must a traveler carry their passport in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France?
A hypothetical US citizen flies into Amsterdam from NYC, then takes the train to Paris. She then proceeds to take a tourbus for the day to Brussels. She then flies out of CDG back home to NYC
- Is she required to carry her passport at all times on her person in the Schengen boundary?
- If not, when is she required to present the passport, other than entry / exit of the Schengen boundary?
UPDATE
I think that it is important distinguish that although a passport is an ID, the requirement for an ID is not necessarily a requirement for a passport. To make matters even more 'interesting', the US issues a national ID known as a "passport card", which is lacking passport capabilities in that it can not be used for air-travel and in my mind is a national ID and not a passport within the context of this discussion.
Best Answer
Requirements to carry a passport or other recognized id card are based on national laws and are not the same throughout EU or the Schengen area. You are in most EU/Schengen countries not required to carry your passport in general, but also in most cases required to carry a passport when crossing the international borders.
Of the countries you are asking about, you are in the Netherlands required to carry your passport at all times, but not in France and Belgium. When crossing the borders between these three states, there are no permament passport checks, but you are still required to carry your passport and have it with you.
Additional information regarding the update of the question: I don't think anything you mention in your update is relevant for the question. The only identification papers accepted by all EEA and Schengen countries are passports and national ID cards issued by a Schengen or EEA country. Each country may choose to in addition, perhaps for limited purposes, also to accept other documents, like e.g. driver's licenses.
Since you specifically asked about a US visitor, this does not apply to your question. Neither a US driver's license, nor a US passport card will/must be accepted as proof of identity in the three countries you are asking about.
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Can you travel within Europe without a passport?
Even if you don't need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area , it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you, so you can prove your identity if needed (if stopped by police, boarding a plane, etc.).Do you need a passport from Netherlands to Belgium?
You will need an ID card or passport if you are travelling within the European Union. And not just when you cross a border (for example, via an airport). You must also be able to show an ID card or passport if you are staying in a European country.Do I need to carry passport in Amsterdam?
In the Netherlands you must always carry a valid identity document with you. The authorities, such as the police, can ask for your identity document under the Compulsory Identification Act. So always have your passport or national ID card on your person.What must travelers between countries use for identification?
You'll need your passport for international travel, and you can use your passport to verify your identity at the TSA checkpoint instead of a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license.BRUSSELS, BELGIUM 2022 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS AND MUST NEEDED DOCUMENTS
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