If my carnet is validated in paper format only at export, do I still need to carry it when travelling to digital countries?

Yes. Even when travelling to countries that have officially enabled the eATA system, you must continue to carry your physical paper carnet if your itinerary involves a "hybrid" journey (moving between paper-only and digital-ready territories).

Why it is necessary:

• Verification of Activation: Customs officials in a digital destination may request to inspect the green cover of your paper carnet to ensure it was officially validated and activated by the Customs authorities in your country of departure.
• Future Paper-Only Stops: If your travel plan includes a destination that does not yet support the digital system, you will be required to present the physical document for all transactions in that territory. For the paper carnet to be accepted there, it must have been validated and stamped at your initial point of export.