So now you have a passport, which is great. (If not check out my previous post The Little Blue Book – the Passport). Now it is time to know how to keep it safe. An American passport among other prominent countries are often hot commodities on the black market. They can yield a substantial amount of money when sold illegally. During my study abroad trip in Brazil my friend’s passport was stolen from his suitcase in the hotel while we were in Rio de Janeiro, the last city we visited before heading back to the United States. I don’t think he realized he did not have his passport until we were all headed to the airport to fly home. He and one of the professors had to stay in Brazil a couple extra days but was able to return home thereafter.
Having your passport stolen especially while traveling abroad is not a fun ordeal by any means of the word. However there are some things that you can do to try to prevent this from happening.
1. Many people put their passport in their suitcase so they don’t have to worry about being pick pocketed. Lock up your suitcase to deter thieves from going through your things. We would all like to think that the housekeeping staff and others who may have access to your room would not go through your things or steal but taking precautionary measures are good to take just in case. If a thief is not deterred by the lock on your suitcase then it will make it difficult, hopefully so difficult that the thieves mission to steal your passport will fail.
2. Make it hard for someone to find your passport in your suitcase. Hide it between clothing in a smaller bag, like a cosmetic bag or something like that to throw the thief off. If your suitcase has a hidden compartment that may be a good place to hide it as well.
3. Use an under the clothes hidden travel pouch. Other names for this are under clothing waist wallet, hidden leg wallet, and leg and arm wallet. They are made so that your passport, wallet, credit cards etc. are camouflaged under your clothing while traveling. This was a must have for me when I was backpacking in Europe during my spring break trip when I was living/studying in Spain last year.
4. Make copies of your passport. Put them in your suitcase(s), your carry on luggage, book bag, wallet, purse etc. and leave a copy or two at home with a family member and/or friend. Having the copies in multiple places will insure that you have at least one copy with you if needed. Copies can also come in handy if you have to give one to the university where you are studying, the resident hall management or apartment landlord you are renting from may require a copy of your passport. If you are traveling in a large group with a specific company they may require a copy of your passport as well. Having extra copies would allow you to give the necessary information without having to figure out where extra copies can be made. Be mindful that your passport has important information is linked to your identity so make certain that if you do give out a copy that it is indeed necessary and will be used in confidentiality much like you would treat your driver's license or social security card.
Sometimes things happen and as much as we try to avoid and prevent something the inevitable happens. In this case it would be a stolen passport. Having copies of your passport will be helpful when dealing with the authorities, U.S. Embassy/ Consulate, University and anyone else who are trying to help you either get a new passport or the necessary travel documentation to continue your travel or return home.
For more information on lost or stolen passports check out the following link to the U.S. State Department’s official website. http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/lostpassport/lostpassport_1197.html
KoMiSa’s Take Away Thoughts: In regards to your passport it is definitely better to be safe than sorry. Through out my international travels I have never lost my passport not that it couldn’t happen. I would like to think it is because of the precautions that took. Think about incorporating these tips when you travel. If you have any other suggestions for keeping your passport safe feel free to share them in the comments section.
Happy Travels,
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