If you have ever lost your passport while traveling abroad, you
know how difficult it can be to get anything done without that document.
Almost any transaction a traveler needs to make requires a passport,
and photocopies usually don't work. Also, passport pages form an
integral part of the document, and they can cause similar problems if
they are not managed properly. Double checking a few things before you
leave can help you avoid these headaches.
The rigors of traveling can often cause wear and tear on passports. Sometimes the rain gets to them. Other times travelers bend them out of shape of tatter the pages by storing them in tight places in order to protect their documents. Either way, a ratty passport may raise flags in the minds of border officials, which will slow down your passage and possibly make it unpleasant. When your passport is still in good shape, look for a passport cover, preferably one that is waterproof.
Even the most cautious traveler, however, will eventually run out of passport pages. This may not seem like such a big deal, but some countries require a certain number of pages for entry. Often, they require more space than their visa will take up in order to ensure you have enough room for entry and exit stamps as well. If your passport is still relatively empty, there are some strategies you can use to optimize the remaining space.
The first thing you can do is to politely indicate to border officials where you would like them to stamp. Doing this can help you avoid stamps that occupy a lot of room in your passport. This can be sensitive, and not all officials will respond positively. However, if you keep a positive, polite attitude and explain your predicament, most will be happy to help. If they just stamp away, do not argue or become angry.
Running out of space does not necessarily mean you have to get a new passport. Check with your embassy to see if additional pages can be added. Most embassies do this for free or for a small fee and the turn-around time tends to be short. Most countries allow their citizens to add pages a few times, but do not just assume you can do it infinitely. Check the limits first and go in early.
For some people, stamps from different countries are like a collection. They love looking back and reminiscing about their experiences across the globe. That being said, making a copy of these pages is essential. Losing your passport could mean losing these souvenirs forever, not to mention an accurate travel record, which you may need later.
Similarly, you may be shocked to find out that many countries do not return damaged passports. They keep them and destroy them as a security measure. This is just another reason to have a copy for your records. Do not consider taking the pages out and keeping them. A lot of countries will view this as an illegal manipulation of an official document.
The rigors of traveling can often cause wear and tear on passports. Sometimes the rain gets to them. Other times travelers bend them out of shape of tatter the pages by storing them in tight places in order to protect their documents. Either way, a ratty passport may raise flags in the minds of border officials, which will slow down your passage and possibly make it unpleasant. When your passport is still in good shape, look for a passport cover, preferably one that is waterproof.
Even the most cautious traveler, however, will eventually run out of passport pages. This may not seem like such a big deal, but some countries require a certain number of pages for entry. Often, they require more space than their visa will take up in order to ensure you have enough room for entry and exit stamps as well. If your passport is still relatively empty, there are some strategies you can use to optimize the remaining space.
The first thing you can do is to politely indicate to border officials where you would like them to stamp. Doing this can help you avoid stamps that occupy a lot of room in your passport. This can be sensitive, and not all officials will respond positively. However, if you keep a positive, polite attitude and explain your predicament, most will be happy to help. If they just stamp away, do not argue or become angry.
Running out of space does not necessarily mean you have to get a new passport. Check with your embassy to see if additional pages can be added. Most embassies do this for free or for a small fee and the turn-around time tends to be short. Most countries allow their citizens to add pages a few times, but do not just assume you can do it infinitely. Check the limits first and go in early.
For some people, stamps from different countries are like a collection. They love looking back and reminiscing about their experiences across the globe. That being said, making a copy of these pages is essential. Losing your passport could mean losing these souvenirs forever, not to mention an accurate travel record, which you may need later.
Similarly, you may be shocked to find out that many countries do not return damaged passports. They keep them and destroy them as a security measure. This is just another reason to have a copy for your records. Do not consider taking the pages out and keeping them. A lot of countries will view this as an illegal manipulation of an official document.
Getting new passport pages
does not have to take up much of your time, but you should not ignore
them completely. It is just those times that you take the pages for
granted that they can cause problems for you. Do a brief check of your passport before you go and keep these tips in mind so that you can focus on your trip.
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