Something as “inconsequential” as bent pages could ruin your next trip before it even begins.
Without a passport, international travel isn’t possible. And while bureaucrats are fussy about their upkeep, they make the rules.
Passport Care at Home
Passports can get lost or damaged by moisture, curious children, or pets – even at home. So here’s how to keep your travel document safe:
- Keep your passport dry and secure. If you have a safe, store it there when you aren’t using it to apply for a visa.
- Don’t bend passport pages. Just because border agents do this doesn’t mean you should.
- Go to a travel store and buy a passport holder. This purchase will keep your document safe from damage until your next trip.
Visit Natvisa.com for full Passport care article.
Passport Care While on the Move
While you’re in motion, your passport is in the most danger. Remember the following when you’re in transit:
- Whenever possible, avoid carrying your passport in your pockets. In them, your travel document will be exposed to body heat, torsional forces, and pickpockets. Instead, store it in a secure, front-facing bag.
- Only take your passport out when necessary. Thieves are always looking for things to steal. And it’s so easy to set your document down somewhere, then forget about it.
- Make photocopies of your passport picture page. But don’t store them all in the same place. Instead, spread the copies across multiple bags. That way, if you lose your passport, you’ll still have a way to ID yourself.
Passport Care at Your Destination
On the road, everything is different and exciting. Because of this, we often lose our common sense, even when it comes to passport care.
When abroad, follow these tips:
- In some countries, hotel clerks will collect your passport information during check-in. Ensure you receive your document back after the transaction.
- Keep your passport in a safe or locker. If your room has neither, keep it in your hotel’s safety deposit box.
- Be mindful of the weather in your destination. The hotter and moister the climate, the easier your document’s pages will bend. Fight back by storing it in a waterproof passport holder.
Your Golden Ticket to the World
Your passport is more than a travel document. It’s your portal to a world of amazing adventures.
So treat it with respect. By following the tips above, your passport will supply you with memories for years to come.
