Your passport is your key to travel the world and to get back home

by Debbie Ross founder of the Womens Travel Network

A stolen passport can cause a lot of problems for you when it’s time to come home. Not only will you not be allowed to travel, you could lose your non-refundable airline ticket costs and be facing additional unexpected travel expenses while you try to get it replaced.  In addition, you could return home to find that your identity has been effectively stolen and you may have a  mounting debt problem to manage.

1. Carry your passport on your person
Carry it in a money belt tucked under clothing, or If you carry  a purse, put it in an inside pocket and zip the pocket. A shoulder bag that’s worn across the body is best (less easy for a thief to steal). Keep the bag in front of you and keep the zippers and snaps closed up at all times. Men, keep it in your front pocket, never the back pocket.

2. Never take that bag off your person
Even when eating at a cafe or other restaurant. Pickpockets live for travelers putting their bags down or hanging it on the back of a chair.

3. Don’t put it in your carry on
Never put it in your carry on then stow your bag in the overhead bin. while on the plain keep it with you at all  times. This is why a money belt is so convenient.

4. Lock it up!
If you leave your passport behind, lock it up. If you’re relatively confident in the safe in your room, you can use that, but be sure that others can’t get into the safe while you’re gone. When choosing a code for the safe never use your birth date. Often the hotel has a copy of your passport so your birthrate is no a secret.

5. Make a copy of your passport
Give a copy to a trusted contact at home, also keep a copy locked in your luggage or in your email account, so they can be accessed easily anywhere, at any time, to speed up the replacement process overseas.  Having a copy of your passport page means you’ll have an easier time getting it replaced

6. Complete the information page in your passport
Don’t forget to write your address and emergency contact in your passport and make 2 copies of your ID page before you leave. This will help you get a replacement much quicker.

7. Keep it in good condition
Protect it from the elements, as damaged passports (ripped pages, tears, stains, water damage) may not get you into a country, and your passport may need to be replaced..

8. Check the expiry date
Do not leave it until the last minute to check when your passport expires. Many countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into the country. Therefore, if you are planning to travel and your passport is due to expire in less than a year, you should renew your passport before departure. You should also make sure you have at least one clear visa page in your passport for immigration stamps.