When traveling internationally, your most valuable asset is your passport. Should anything happen to it while away, you could run into some major issues, including having to scramble to get a new one while in a foreign country. It’s crucial that you keep your travel documents safe so that you don’t have to face any unnecessary stress. In this article, we will share some practical tips to keep your passport safe, helping you reduce the risk of theft, damage, or loss while abroad.
1. Keep Your Passport in a Safe Place
When you don’t need it, always store your passport in a secure place, such as your hotel room’s safe. Before doing so, ensure that your hotel safe is working, and opens with your chosen code. You’ll want to test this out ahead of time because if for some reason it’s broken, you may not be able to get your passport back out. If you need to write down your code, put it in the notes app on your phone – never write it on a piece of paper. If you write this information on paper and accidentally leave it in your hotel room, someone may see it, leaving your passport at risk of being stolen.
2. Never Put Your Passport in Your Checked Luggage
Imagine this: your bag is tagged and being loaded onto the airplane, but there’s one problem… your passport is inside! This may sound like a simple mistake but it can turn into a huge problem. Placing your passport in your checked luggage could lead to you losing it before even boarding the plane. This means that if you have an international flight, you may not be able to access your passport, leading to you potentially having to cancel your trip altogether.
3. Make Photocopies and Digital Copies of Your Passport
Before heading out on your trip, always make sure that you have photocopies and digital copies of your travel documents. This can be very useful if your passport gets lost, damaged, or stolen, and could make getting a replacement a lot faster and easier. A copy of your passport can also serve as a temporary form of identification in some situations, and can be useful if you have an emergency while traveling abroad.
4. Use a Hidden Travel Pouch
When you’re walking around and exploring a destination, you may be distracted by everything that’s going on around you. This is especially true if you’re visiting a popular tourist spot. Unfortunately, many pickpockets like to hang around these areas, and are waiting to steal valuables from travelers. Always place your items, including your passport, in a hidden travel pouch. There are belts that you wear underneath your clothing that can be used to store your valuables, hiding them from potential thieves.
5. Use a RFID-Blocking Passport Holder
Most passports have an RFID chip embedded in them. This chip stores your passport’s information, such as your name, date of birth, and digital photo. This allows airports to scan your passport, and can be helpful in getting you through airport security more quickly. However, it could be bad if someone tries to scan your chip using a specialized reader.
This is where a RFID-blocking passport holder comes into play. Using an RFID-blocking holder can help protect your information, by preventing unauthorized scanners from accessing your passport’s chip. They have a thin layer of material that blocks signals, keeping you and your information safe.
6. Place Your Passport in a Waterproof Case
If you plan on traveling to a destination that has a lot of water, dirt, or sand, you should consider investing in a waterproof case. This is very important because if your passport gets wet or dirty, it can easily become damaged. If it gets severely damaged, you may not be able to use it, and could have to get it replaced at the nearest embassy, hindering your travel plans.
7. Invest in a Cut-Proof Bag
There are many pickpockets wandering around, especially in certain international destinations. This means that if you want to carry your passport around with you, it’s crucial that you invest in a cut-proof bag. A normal bag can be easily cut and stolen from you, even if you’re wearing it across your body. However, there are some bags that are specifically designed so that they can’t be easily cut, keeping your possessions safe.
8. Don’t Bend Your Passport
It’s very easy to just throw your passport into your carry-on bag or purse without thinking twice about it. Though you have to be careful, because if you put your passport in the wrong place, it could be squished by a heavy item, meaning that you may need to replace your passport. Always ensure that you carefully set your travel documents safely inside your bag, and that there’s nothing by it that could damage it.
9. Never Leave Your Passport Unattended
Whatever you do, please never leave your passport unattended. Your passport has your personal information included in it, and if it gets into the wrong hands, it could turn into a stressful and bad situation. Always check that you have your travel documents with you, and put them in the same spot every time so that you know where they are. The last thing you need is to lose your passport or have it stolen while out of the country.
10. Know Where the Closest Embassy is (in Case of an Emergency)
Accidents happen, and there’s always a chance that your passport could get lost, stolen, or damaged. To make sure that you’re prepared, do your research, so that you know where the closest embassy is. Write down the embassy’s contact information and address, and take a screenshot of it on your phone. This way, you’ll be prepared in case of an emergency.
Following these simple tips can make a huge difference and help you get a better idea of how to secure your travel documents while away. If you need a passport or visa for an international trip, please visit our website to get your application started. Additionally, if you have any questions during the process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to help! No matter where you’re going, we’ll get you there.
