Prevent A Stolen Pass Port And Keep It Safe
February 6, 2010 9:54 pm EnglandWhen you are traveling overseas your passport is one of the most important documents that you carry with you. A passport can be a prized item among some foreign thieves. But there are plenty of measures that you can take to avoid a stolen passport and to keep safe and secure while traveling.
If you have your passport stolen, then you should get in contact with the local diplomatic mission, consulate or embassy closest to you. To be prepared for an event such as this, you should have the details of your passport and other travel documents copied or noted down elsewhere. There are some foreign affairs departments in some countries that have an online service for you to report your stolen passport. It is essential that you do this quickly to avoid anyone using it fraudulently.
Your reissued passport can most likely be delivered to the diplomatic mission where you are staying. In some circumstances you may need the help of the embassy to work out the best way for delivery to occur. You can work out these details when you visit the mission in order to fill in the passport application and pay for the replacement. Usually you also have to pay an extra fee for the lost passport.
There are several measures that you can take while traveling to keep your passport safe. The first one is to always keep your passport safe. The best place is close to your body in a traveler’s pouch around your stomach. Do not place your passport inside suitcases as they can easily be misplaced en route and do not place them inside back packs while you are out and about visiting places as these may be stolen or pick pocketed easily.
When you have used your passport, put it back into your money belt immediately. If you leave it lying on a counter or table top, then you are increasing the chance of forgetting it or mislaying it. It is best not to leave your passport with hotel staff and if they request this, then offer them a photocopy. Your hotel room may be accessed by other people when you are absent so do not keep it there either.
It is a very good idea to take a couple of copies of your passport with you when you travel. This way if it is stolen then you have all the details still available. If you are visiting a country for which you need a visa, make sure you also take copies of the passport page on which the visa is stamped.
Be careful of your security when you are withdrawing money from ATMs or exchanging money at a currency exchange or bank. There are often thieves that wait around these areas looking for tourists to pick pocket or rob. Never count money in public and put it away securely in your money belt as soon as possible.
Replacing lost documents or a stolen USA Passport is a headache that you do not need when you are traveling. By using basic security measures at all times you can avoid new passport problems and get on with enjoying your overseas vacation.