Sunday, 26 February 2012

Reasons For Protecting Your Passport When You Go Overseas

By Glenn Matthews


When you register at hotels or enter some countries, it is likely you will be asked to fill out a police card listing your name, passport number, destination, local address, and reason for travel. You may be required to leave your passport at the hotel reception desk overnight so that it may be checked by local police officials. These are normal procedures required by local laws. You should immediately report the impoundments to local police authorities and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if your passport is not returned the following morning.

Facts about Passport Fraud

U.S. passports are sometimes used for illegal entry into the United States, or by criminals abroad seeking to establish another identity and this was shown in law enforcement records. This can cause embarrassment to innocent U.S. citizens whose names become associated with illegal activities. Consular officers overseas have found it necessary to take precautions in processing lost passport cases in order to protect the integrity of the U.S. passport and the security of the person bearing it. Some delay before a new passport is issued may be involved in these precautions.

Safeguard Your Passport

Carelessness is the main cause for losing a passport or having it stolen. Sometimes, carrying your passport with you is a must due to the fact that you need to show it when you cash traveler's checks or the country that you are visiting requires you to carry it as an identity document. Be sure that when you do carry your passport, hide it securely on your person. Avoid leaving it in a handbag or even in an exposed pocket. When it's possible, you should leave your passport in the hotel safe, not in an empty hotel room, and not packed in your luggage. One family member should not carry all the passports for the entire family.

How to Guard Against Thieves

Particularly susceptible to theft are coat pockets, handbags, and hip pockets. Thieves will use all kinds of ploys to divert your attention just long enough to pick your pocket and grab your purse or wallet. Examples of such ploys would include spilling something on your clothing, or even handing you a baby to hold.

Theft can be prevented if you carry your belongings in a secure manner. An example would be not carrying a purse or wallet when going along crowded streets. For women, keep your shoulder bag tucked under your arm and make sure it is held securely by the strap. Instead of hip pockets, men should put their wallets in their front trouser pockets or use money belts. If a wallet is wrapped in rubber bands, then it is more difficult to remove without notice. Be especially cautious in a large crowd _ in the subway, on buses, at the marketplace, at a festival, or if surrounded by groups of vagrant children. Try not to make it easy for the thieves.




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