5 Ways to Protect Your Passport

Protecting your passport is one of the most important things to do on your vacation. Your passport is truly your passport to the world and back again. Without it though, you may run into some unplanned problems.

5 Ways to Protect Your Passport

1. Copy It

Don’t leave home without a copy of your passport. Before you leave the country, make a copy of the main page of your passport. Take one copy with you and leave one with a trusted friend or family member. You can also scan a copy and email it to yourself so you’ll have a digital copy accessible. Keep your copy away from your passport while you’re traveling. In the event your passport is lost or misplaced, you’ll be asked to provide: Issue Date, Issuing Agency, Passport Number and Expiration Date. With a copy of this info, it’s much easier to replace your lost/stolen passport.

2. Know It

Know who to call or contact in the event of a missing passport. In the United States, call the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778. If you’re overseas, contact the nearest embassy or consulate. Check out the location list at www.usembassy.gov and keep it with you when traveling overseas.

3. Hold It

Don’t just hand your passport over to anyone who asks for it. Be very sure you’re giving it to a trustworthy person. Thieves and con artists have gotten clever and dress up as officials to try and get your info and identity. If you’re unsure at all of who’s asking for your passport, use a different form of ID first. Remember, you don’t need your driver’s license to get back into the US; you do need your passport.

4. Insure It

You know we’re firm believers in travel insurance, but here’s another great reason why you should always have it. If your passport is lost or stolen and has to be replaced, travel insurance can help cover the cost of replacement. They’ll help direct you to the nearest embassy or location to get a new photo taken. Travel insurance can also help with the cost of any itinerary changes due to the lost passport.

5. Wrap It

Starting in 2006, the United States has started issuing passports with an RFID (Radio-Frequency IDentification) chip. These chips consist of data and a small antenna. The problem is that your personal data can get read from your passport from thieves without ever opening, touching, or even coming close to your passport. It just takes you walking by someone with a scanner.

Consider buying a wallet with an RFID shield or a good home remedy is to wrap it in aluminum foil. Amazon sells an affordable Smooth Trip Passport Holders with an RFID blocker for under $10.

Hopefully these tips help you avoid a travel horror story! Have you ever lost your passport overseas? What are some ways that you protect your passport? We’d love to hear from you with any tips on keeping your passport safe and sound!

Photo via Flickr

SaveSave