Keep Your Passport Safe On Your Trip Abroad.

• Use hidden pockets or money belts to conceal passport when needed for travel.
• Keep digital and physical copies of passport separate from the original document.
• Store passport in hotel safe when not needed and read travel insurance fine print.

Your passport is your most important travel document. Without it, you can’t cross borders, board flights, or even check into some hotels abroad. In an ideal

world, you’d keep it locked away in a vault at home—but that defeats the purpose of a passport. You need it with you while traveling, yet it also has to stay safe. The question is: how? Here’s a comprehensive guide to keeping your passport secure, whether you’re exploring cities, relaxing on beaches, or hopping from one country to the next.

Use Hidden Pockets And Money Belts

There will be times when you need your passport on you—maybe for boarding passes, hotel check-ins, or VAT refunds while shopping. In these situations, you can use clever concealment options like:

• Hidden zipper pockets sewn into the lining of your bag or luggage
• Money belts worn under your clothes
• Inner pockets of backpacks or jackets

These spots keep your passport close while making it harder for thieves to spot.

Make Digital And Physical Copies

Sometimes, you may only need to show a copy of your passport rather than the original, such as for VAT refunds or hotel check-ins. Take a clear photo of your passport and keep it on your phone or cloud storage. If you must carry the passport, keep it secured in a money belt or hidden pocket, but also leave a copy in the hotel safe. Having a copy or digital image can make it much easier to replace your passport if it’s ever lost or stolen.

Hotel Safes Are Your Best Friend

Whenever possible, leave your passport in a hotel safe when you don’t need it for the day. A hotel safe is discreet and secure, keeping your passport and other valuables protected. Here’s a simple tip to make sure you don’t forget it when checking out: place a small item (like a shoe) in the safe along with your passport. When you pack your belongings later, noticing the missing shoe will remind you to take the passport with you.

Keep Your Passport Close, But Discreet

When your passport is out in the open, never leave it unattended. Even a brief moment of inattention can be enough for someone to snatch it. Always be mindful of your passport’s location and keep it in a secure bag or pocket.

Travel Insurance Can Help, But Read The Fine Print

Losing your passport is stressful, but travel insurance can reimburse replacement costs if you’ve purchased the right policy. However, not all policies cover every scenario. Some only cover theft from a hotel safe and not from personal bags, so it’s crucial to read the policy details carefully before you travel. Knowing what is and isn’t covered can save you frustration and unexpected expenses.

Also Read: Henley Passport Index: Visa-Free Countries For Indians Rise To 59 As Passport Strength Improves

Extra Safety Strategies

• When a hotel asks to make a copy of your passport, do so discreetly and never leave your original unattended.
• Keep your passport separated from cash and other valuables to reduce risk if your bag is stolen.
• Always have backup copies stored separately from the original, so you can provide identification if needed while the original is replaced.

Never Put Your Passport In Your Back Pocket

It might seem convenient, but a back pocket is one of the worst places for a passport. It’s easy to forget, and it makes your passport an easy target for pickpockets. Even if you feel safer keeping it on your person at all times, leaving it in your hotel safe when you don’t need it is a much smarter move.