Travel Smart: Keep Your Passport Safe

Travelling with your passport is a necessity, but it can also be a headache. From remembering to check its expiration date to keeping it safe from theft or damage, there are many things to consider. Here are some tips to help you travel with your passport more efficiently and securely. Firstly, it is recommended to always have multiple copies of your passport. Make photocopies of the page containing your photo and full name, and keep them in different places, such as at the bottom of your luggage or with a trusted friend or relative. Additionally, storing your passport in a safe is ideal when staying in a hotel. If a safe is not available, consider securing your bag with a travel lock or investing in a flat money belt or travel wallet that can be worn under your clothing for added protection.

Make multiple copies of your passport

Making multiple copies of your passport is a simple but effective precaution you can take before travelling. It can save you a lot of trouble in case of emergencies, such as theft or loss. Here are some tips to make multiple copies of your passport:

• Make at least two copies of the pages with your photo, full name, passport number, date of birth, expiry date, and other important personal information.
• Store these copies in separate places. Keep one copy in your luggage, and another with a trusted friend or relative. If you are travelling with others, you can also leave a copy with them.
• Leave one copy at home, with a coworker if it is a work trip, or with an emergency contact.
• Take extra precautions by bringing additional copies with you.
• Keep one copy in your hotel room safe, or ask the front desk if they have a safe if there isn't one in your room.
• Store a copy electronically by scanning your passport and saving it on your phone or in the cloud.
• Make sure to keep the photocopy separate from your actual passport to avoid losing both at the same time.
• When making photocopies, use black and white print on standard 8.5" x 11" white paper, with both sides of the passport on the same piece of paper.

Remember, a copy of your passport is not a valid form of identification for international travel, but it can help expedite the process of getting a replacement passport if needed.

Store your passport in a safe

Storing Your Passport in a Safe While Travelling

Storing your passport in a safe is a great way to protect it from theft and accidental damage. Here are some tips to ensure your passport is secure:

Use a Hotel Safe

If your hotel room has a safe, use it to store your passport. This is a convenient option as it allows you to keep your passport secure without having to carry it with you at all times. Keep in mind that safes may differ in quality and security, so consider additional measures for extra protection.

Ask the Front Desk

If your room doesn't have a safe, enquire at the front desk about alternative options. Some hotels offer a central safe or secure storage area where you can store valuable items such as passports. This is often a more secure option than an in-room safe.

Portable Locks

If your accommodation doesn't provide a safe, consider investing in a portable lock, such as a small lock with a retractable steel cable or a bike lock. You can use these locks to secure your luggage containing your passport to a fixed object, such as a piece of furniture in your room.

Digital Storage

Before your trip, make digital copies of your passport by scanning or taking clear photos of the pages. Store these copies securely on your phone, email them to yourself, or save them on cloud services like Google Drive. This ensures you have a backup and facilitates easier replacement if needed.

Physical Copies

In addition to digital copies, make several physical photocopies of your passport, especially the data page. Keep these copies in separate locations from the original. Store them in your luggage, carry-on bag, or even in your pocket. Leave a copy with a trusted friend or family member back home, and consider giving one to an emergency contact or a travelling companion.

Remember, keeping your passport secure is crucial to ensure a smooth travel experience. By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can better protect your passport and have peace of mind during your travels.

Keep your passport concealed

Keeping your passport concealed is an essential part of travelling safely. Here are some tips to keep your passport concealed and secure:

Firstly, when travelling, it is a good idea to use a flat money belt, which can be worn around the waist or neck and concealed under clothing. This way, your passport remains hidden and secure on your person. If you prefer something more comfortable, a travel wallet or passport cover is also an option. These options also conceal your passport and nationality, and some include room for other valuables, such as credit cards and cash. It is best to avoid carrying your passport and spending money together, as taking out cash can alert potential thieves.

Secondly, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant in crowded or unfamiliar areas, especially in cities known for high rates of pickpocketing, such as Barcelona, Rome, and Paris. Always be mindful of your belongings and keep your passport out of reach from others.

Thirdly, when you are moving around and do not need your passport, lock it up in a safe place, such as a hotel safe, a locked suitcase, or a secure pocket. If you are staying in an Airbnb, hostel, or similar accommodation without a safe, consider securing your bag with a travel lock or using a small, portable lockbox.

Finally, make multiple copies of your passport before your trip and keep them in separate places. Leave one copy at home or with an emergency contact, and store digital copies securely on your phone or in the cloud. That way, if your passport is lost or stolen, you can easily access the information needed to obtain a replacement.

Protect your passport from the weather

To protect your passport from the weather while travelling, you can take several precautions. Firstly, it is important to keep your passport safe from humidity, as this can damage the pages. Avoid leaving your passport in a warm place for extended periods, and if you are in a humid environment, try to keep it as cool as possible.

Secondly, a waterproof cover is essential to protect your passport from water damage. This will safeguard your passport from rain or other sources of moisture. Make sure you also store your passport in a dry, safe environment. Do not keep it at the bottom of your luggage, as this could result in damage.

If your passport does get wet, the level of water damage will determine what happens next. One or two drops of water on a page is generally acceptable, but if the cover or personal information page is damaged, or there is severe water damage throughout, you will need to get a replacement passport. This can be done at the nearest embassy or consulate outside of your home country.

Understand when to present your passport

It is important to know when to present your passport during your travels. While it is a given that you will need to show your passport when clearing airport security and immigration, there are other instances where you may be asked to present identification. Specifically, note whether the actual passport is required or if an international driver's license or a copy of your passport will suffice. This helps protect you against would-be thieves and scammers.

In some countries, you are required to have your passport on you at all times. Enforcement may vary, but it is better to be safe than sorry. For example, in Russia and China, you are required to have your passport on you at all times. In the United States, foreign nationals are required to have a government-issued ID and their I-94 form, which is typically issued electronically.

If you are travelling with children, foreign border officials may require custody documents or notarized written consent from the other parent. Check with the embassy of your destination country before travelling to see what you may need.

Additionally, make sure to check the expiration date on your passport as soon as you start planning your trip. Some countries, including most of Europe, will require that your passport expiration date is at least six months away. If you need a new passport, apply early to allow for delays.

Frequently asked questions