Protect your passport at all times
Your passport is the most valuable document that you will carry
abroad. Please guard it carefully. Do not use it as collateral for
a loan or lend it to anyone. It is your best form of identification.
You will need it when you pick up mail or check into hotels. When
entering some countries or registering at hotels, you may 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. If your passport
is not returned the following morning, immediately report the impoundment
to local police authorities and to the nearest embassy or consulate.
Carelessness is the main cause for losing a passport or having
it stolen. You may find that you have to carry your passport with
you because 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.
When you must carry your passport, hide it securely on your person.
Do not leave it in a handbag. Whenever possible, 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.
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