Top 5 Ways to Protect Your Passport While Traveling

American Passport Travel Tips

Your passport may be the most important thing you pack for an international trip. Losing it can mean missed sightseeing, unexpected embassy visits and even changes to your travel plans. A few simple habits can help protect it—and your vacation!

1. KNOW WHERE IT IS—ALL THE TIME

Never toss your passport loosely into a purse, backpack or coat pocket. When carrying it, keep it in the same secure, zippered location every time. When you don’t need it for the day’s activities, follow your tour director’s guidance about whether it should remain with you or be secured at the hotel.

Check In Counter

2. MAKE COPIES & CREATE A DIGITAL BACKUP

Before leaving home, make a photocopy of your passport’s identification page and keep it separate from your actual passport. Leave another copy with a trusted family member at home.

MMET TRAVEL TIP: Take a clear photo of your passport and save it in a secure, password-protected location on your phone. For an additional backup, email the photo to yourself and save it in a clearly labeled “Travel” folder in your email. If your phone or passport goes missing, you’ll still have access to the information from another secure device or computer.

A copy won’t replace your passport, but having the passport number, issue and expiration dates, and identification page available can be extremely helpful if you need to report or replace it.

3. DON'T HAND IT OVER UNLESS NECESSARY

Airlines, cruise lines, hotels and immigration authorities may legitimately need to see or temporarily hold your passport. Otherwise, don’t casually hand it to someone or leave it as security for a purchase or rental. If someone must retain it temporarily, know who has it and when you’ll get it back.

4. PROTECT IT FROM DAMAGE, TOO

Your passport doesn’t have to be lost to create a travel problem. Keep it protected from water, spills, tears and excessive wear. A simple passport cover or protective sleeve can help. And avoid adding unofficial or novelty stamps to your passport.

Passport Travel Tips

5. IF IT GOES MISSING, SPEAK UP IMMEDIATELY

If you’re traveling with MMET and can’t find your passport, tell your tour director immediately. Don’t wait until you’re heading to the airport! We’ll help you determine the appropriate next steps. Lost or stolen U.S. passports abroad generally need to be reported and replaced through the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before international travel can continue.

One Last MMET Tip

Before leaving your hotel each morning, make the same quick check:

PASSPORT • PHONE • WALLET

And every time we change hotels, make checking the room safe for your passport part of your final room inspection.

Passport in a safe place. Copy in a separate place. Digital backup you can access when you need it. Then relax and enjoy the journey!

Experience the Morris Murdock Difference

And at Morris Murdock Escorted Tours, this is a journey we continue to refine after every departure. We listen to our travelers, learn from each experience, and work with our local partners to find new ways to add value, improve the flow and highlight experiences that make the tour even more meaningful. Each journey helps us make the next one even better.

It was amazing how much we were able to see and experience in such a short window of time without feeling like we were simply checking places off a list. There was time to laugh, learn, make new friends, watch an African sunset and simply appreciate where we were.

Additional Blog Posts

American Passport Travel Tips

Top 5 Ways to Protect Your Passport While Traveling

Your passport may be the most important thing you pack for an international trip. Losing it can mean missed sightseeing, unexpected embassy visits and even changes to your travel plans. A few simple habits can help protect it—and your vacation!

Read More »