Should you keep your passport on you when travelling

If you travel between countries often, you’ll understand why someone would ask, “Should you keep your passport on you when travelling?”.

As someone fortunate enough to have travelled to different parts of the world, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of always having my passport close by.

However, this is not me telling you that; you should always have your passport when travelling, you’ll be the judge when you’re done reading this.

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But, this document isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s your primary form of identification and proof of citizenship.

I recall a time when I was in Paris, exploring the city’s many historical sites.

It was my first day, and I was brimming with excitement. However, as I approached the entrance of the Louvre, I was suddenly stopped by a security officer for a routine check.

My heart skipped a beat as I reached for my bag, only to realize that my passport was safely tucked away in my hotel room.

That moment of panic taught me a valuable lesson that I hope you’ll learn at the end of this guide.

Should you keep your passport on you when travelling?

Yes, you should keep your passport on you when travelling, preferably in a secure and easily accessible place like a passport holder or a hidden pocket.

International travel laws recognize your passport as your first means of identification in or outside your country and, it should be on you when travelling.

I know I told you above that “I won’t decide for you” but according to many travellers we have interviewed about this, they shared reasons supporting the idea of you keeping your passport on you when travelling.

I’ve made it a habit to always travel with my passport, especially after my experience in Paris.

Keeping your passport on you when travelling is not only a legal requirement but also a practical necessity.

Frequent travellers, like myself, have likely witnessed several incidents where people were stopped at airports or hotels for security checks.

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In these situations, having your passport on you is invaluable.

When you are stopped, you can present it to the authorities, and they will immediately know that you are an authorized visitor.

This can save you from unnecessary stress – it has saved me before.

Aside from shared experiences, below are more reasons why you should keep your passport on you when travelling.

Why you should keep your passport on you when travelling

When travelling, you’re required to carry your travel documents, and among these, your passport is the most important.

It’s not just about being able to board your flight; your passport serves as your primary identification and proof of citizenship when travelling internationally.

You can’t travel abroad without your passport; it is a necessary document.

Whether you’re passing through immigration, checking into a hotel, or simply exploring a new city, your passport is often your most reliable form of ID.

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Without it, you might find yourself in a difficult situation.

While it’s your choice to keep your passport on you when travelling or not, I’ll advise you to do it.

Even when moving around in your destination country, keep your passport on you.

It saved me in Paris, it can be helpful to you when you least expected it.

What happens if you don’t keep your passport on you when travelling?

You simply can’t, but if you try it, the most probable outcome would be that the authorities will stop you from boarding.

If you somehow bypass this, border authorities at your destination will stop you from entering the country upon arrival.

Keep this in mind: Having a valid passport is a prerequisite for international travel.

Where to keep passport when travelling

When travelling, you can keep your passport in a passport holder with RFID blocking or in your travel wallet with multiple compartments.

You can also keep it in a hidden pocket in your clothes, in a money belt under your clothes, or in a cross-body bag with anti-theft features that will protect it.

While on your trip, you can keep your passport in the hotel safe when you don’t need it.

Do not forget to keep digital copies as a backup.

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You should also avoid leaving your passport unattended in public places.

If you are in a crowded place, stay vigilant – keep it safe.

It takes a split second to lose your passport – be careful with it.

When you take these precautions, you’ll be able to access your passport during checks and emergencies while at the same time keeping it safe.

When you are travelling, your target should be to keep your passport in a secure and accessible place.

Here are some suggestions:

• Use passport holder: You can get a passport holder and make sure that it has RFID blocking.
• Keep it in your hidden pockets: You can wear clothes with hidden pockets where you can put your passport. Something like travel pants or jackets – it will help keep your passport close to your body.
• You can get a travel wallet: You can carry a travel wallet – the one with different compartments. It should also have a zip.
• A money belt is also great: You can use a money belt – wear it under your clothes.
• Get a cross-body bag: Another great place to keep your passport when travelling is in a cross-body bag – get the one with anti-theft features – something like lockable zippers.
• Backpack or Carry-on: If you are using a backpack or carry-on bag, get the one with a hidden pocket.

When I travel, I usually use a combination of these methods depending on the situation.

For instance, if I’m in a crowded place or on public transport, I keep my passport in a hidden pocket.

When I’m at the airport or hotel, I prefer using a travel wallet for easy access.

Should you keep a copy of your passport on your phone?

Yes, you need to keep a copy of your passport on your phone as a backup in case your physical passport gets lost or stolen while you are travelling.

A digital copy of your passport serves as a backup. It is easily accessible when you don’t have immediate access to your physical passport.

Like during emergencies or when you are having issues with local authorities.

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When you get a digital copy of your passport, keep it safe.

You can keep it in a password-protected app or cloud storage with encryption – it contains your personal information, therefore, it needs to be protected.

With a digital copy of your passport, if you lose the physical one, you can easily get a replacement with the digital copy.

It can also be used to verify your identity if needed during your travels.

Where should you keep your passport at home?

You should keep your passport at home in a locked drawer, a safe, or a designated document folder. Do not leave it in common areas or places where it can be easily misplaced or seen by anyone who isn’t authorized to see it.

When you keep your passport in a safe place at home, make sure you keep a note of where it is, so, you can easily get it when you need it.

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Other areas where you can keep your passport at home include:

• In a safe or safe deposit box: The reason for designing safes is to protect valuable items like passports. Your safe should be well-anchored and have a combination lock or digital keypad.
• You can keep it in a locked drawer: A locked drawer is a good place to keep your passport at home, especially the one in your bedroom or office.
• You can also put it in a document organizer or folder: You can use any document organizer or folder at home to store your passport.
• Build a hidden compartment for it: You can install a hidden compartment or a secret safe within furniture or walls to conceal your passport.
• Use home locked cabinet: If you don’t have a safe, you can use a locked cabinet or cupboard to store your passport at home.
• Get a personal safe box: This box is also a great option – it is usually smaller than a traditional safe.

Leave your passport in a hotel or carry it?

It would be best if you carried your passport rather than leave it in your hotel room.

When travelling, the authorities can stop you at any time for a security check, and without your passport, you’ll find it hard to identify yourself.

However, if your hotel has a secure safe or locker with reliable security measures, you can keep it in the safe and move around with a digital copy of your passport.

Always check the safety and security of your hotel before you decide whether to leave your passport in your room or carry it with you.

Pros of keeping your passport on you when travelling

• You can use it for identification and entry: Your passport is an important travel document – it tells the world who you are and where you’re from. Keeping it with you when travelling will help you identify yourself when necessary.
• It is important in an emergency: Keeping your passport on you when travelling will help you in an emergency. Whether you need medical assistance, dealing with legal issues, or unforeseen travel changes, your passport will help you get the help you need.
• It’s good for age verification: In some situations like when you want to buy alcohol or enter certain venues with age restrictions, your passport will serve as proof of age.
• Peace of mind: Many travellers keep their passports with them for peace of mind.

Cons of keeping your passport on you when travelling

• It is at risk of loss or theft: When you keep your passport with you when travelling, it increases the risk of losing it especially if you are going to a crowded areas.
• You can damage it: Carrying your passport constantly in your pocket or bags can make it wear or tear. 
• It can cause inconvenience: Carrying a passport can be inconvenient, especially if you have other stuff to carry as well.

Whether you keep your passport with you when travelling or not is your choice to make.

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However, from my experience and that of many others; always keep your passport with you when travelling.

It saves you from unnecessary problems, especially during security checks.