Passport Tips Every Traveller Should Know
Your passport is arguably the most important item you’ll carry when travelling internationally—lose it, damage it, or forget it, and your trip could come to a sudden halt. Whether you're a first-time flyer or a seasoned globetrotter, here are some simple but crucial tips to help you travel smart with your passport.
1. Protect It From Water Damage
It might seem like a no-brainer, but water damage is one of the most common (and avoidable) passport issues. A soaked passport can become unreadable and be refused by immigration, potentially stopping your travel plans in their tracks. Store it in a waterproof sleeve or zip-lock bag when near water—or just in rainy places.
2. Use a Passport Sleeve or Cover (But Take It Off at Airports)
A sleeve or travel wallet is a great way to protect your passport from wear and tear, especially if it lives in your bag for long stretches. Just remember to remove the sleeve when going through airport security or immigration—passport scanners often won’t read through the plastic or leather.
3. Store It Safely (But Don’t Forget It!)
When you're not using your passport, keep it in a secure place. At home, that might be a safe or a designated travel drawer. On the road, store it in a hotel safe, a hidden money belt, or a secure, zippered bag compartment. Just don’t be that person who remembers their sunscreen but forgets their passport on departure day.
4. Watch the Pages & Expiry Date
Many countries require that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your entry date—and some even expect at least one or two blank pages for stamps or visas. If you're running low on pages or approaching expiry, renew it early to avoid last-minute stress.
5. What to Do If You Lose It While Traveling
Lost passports happen—don’t panic. If you're abroad and your passport disappears, head to your nearest embassy or consulate to apply for an emergency passport or temporary travel document. It may not be ideal, but it’ll get you home.
6. If It’s Stolen: Report It
If your passport is stolen, report it to the local police as soon as possible. You'll need a police report to replace the passport and to file a travel insurance claim (if you're covered for lost or stolen documents).
Ensure to take a photo or scan of your passport and email it to yourself or store it in a secure cloud folder. Having a digital copy can make things a lot easier if you need to report it missing or apply for a replacement.
Travelling with a passport doesn’t have to be stressful—just treat it like the VIP it is, and you'll be set for smooth sailing across borders. Have you learnt any passport lessons the hard way? We would love it if you joined the conversation and shared in the comments below.
