Prevent A Stolen Passport And Keep Secure
Keeping your passport safe is one of the most important steps to enjoying an overseas vacation. Your passport is an essential travel document and also a prized trophy for many thieves as they can be used or sold on the black market for big bucks. You can prevent a stolen passport by taking some easy measures to keep your documents secure.
If you are unlucky enough to have your passport stolen while you are overseas, you will need to make contact with your country's embassy or consulate. They will be able to advise you on how to get a replacement passport and give you the necessary paper work to fill in. Some nations now have an online service through the department of foreign affairs.
Your replacement passport needs to be organized as soon as possible or you will not be able to leave the country in which you are staying. The embassy or consulate will be able to accept your application, payment and you are likely to have an extra fee charged for the lost passport. Emergency passports can generally be issued in a couple of days.
When you are traveling you should keep your passport safe and sound by keeping it close to you at all times. The best way to do this is by putting it in a money belt around your belly. Never put your passport in a suitcase as you lose sight of these and thefts or loss is common. Don't carry your passport in a day pack as these can be targeted by pick pockets or thieves.
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.
Keep copies of your passport with you in case they are needed. It is a good idea as well to have copy of your visa for the country you are visiting if you have one. Scanning your documents and storing them in your email account is a good idea in case of stolen passport.
When you are handling money try not to be conspicuous about it. At banks, ATM machines and currency exchanges be vigilant and put your money away securely as soon as possible. At locations such as these there are often thieves watching to find a mark. You should not count your money in public.
Simple safety and security measures while traveling in a foreign location can strongly minimize your chances of a stolen passport or any other problems. It is always better to prevent a problem through vigilance and common sense regarding your passport, than to have to go through a bureaucratic tangle in another country. If you experience any problems then your national representative should be your first port of call every time.
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