Let’s discuss how to make a backup of your passport in case it gets lost or stolen while you are traveling.
This is something not many people do, but having a backup of your passport could make or break your trip in some cases.
How to Make a Backup of Your Passport
Before I explain how to make a backup of your passport, it’s important to understand that this “backup” is only for emergency use. It will not be accepted as a passport at border crossings, customs, or allow you to get on an airplane.
What it will do is help you prove your identity. Especially if you need to visit your government’s local embassy in the country you are staying in. You might do this to see if they can make you a replacement passport. Or so that you can access consular services at the local embassy.
Also, your backup should be enough to allow you to check into a hotel if you are in a country that requires a passport when checking in. (Most European and Asian countries require the hotel staff to make a copy of your passport during check-in.)
So how do you make a backup of your passport?
Make 2 high-resolution color copies of the inside pages of your passport that show your name, photo, expiration date and other info.
That’s it. You don’t need to copy any of the other interior pages, stamp pages, or the front/back covers.
Be sure to keep the copies in two separate places in case you lose one. I also highly recommend putting the two backups in plastic ziplock bags to prevent them from getting damaged or wet.
Final Thoughts
It surprises me how many people fail to make a backup copy of their passport, especially since it’s such a fast and easy thing to do.
So this is definitely something you should do.
Trust me: you do not want to find yourself in a foreign country without any way to verify your identity.
Be sure to check out the other travel articles for more valuable tips that could save your ass while traveling abroad!
