5/7/2023 0 Comments Photocopy of passportAt the hotel, there’d be a translator or witness who could confirm the legitimacy of the request. Or, suggest the officer walks you to a nearby police station or to your hotel to retrieve it. Keep a passport hidden until it feels safe to hand it over. A laminated copy might foil these efforts. Is the stop designed to extort a bribe? Once your passport is in an extortionist’s hands, s/he may attempt to extort money from you before giving it back. It’s a random police (or fake police) stop and you’re asked for your passport. When travelling to a country where corruption is tolerated, it could be useful to carry a copy of your passport. I escaped with a caution that the intersection was the scene of a recent fatality and a warning to be more vigilant at pedestrian crossings. I produced a laminated copy of my passport and was told to stay where I was with the comment, “I’ll deal with you in a moment.” Meanwhile, the other person was advised that her fine would arrive in the mail at the address listed on her identification. Waiting for both of us on the opposite footpath was a police officer demanding identification. I saw the first “WALK” signal but not the second (that had changed to “DON’T WALK”) and besides, I was sticking close to another pedestrian who was crossing at the same time. Here I was in a country where people drive on the other side of the road, and I was crossing a busy intersection with two sections. A person might inadvertently break the law without realizing it. In unfamiliar surroundings, stuff happens. While it’s uncommon to be asked to produce it, there may be occasions when quickly satisfying the authorities of your identity will result in your ability to be on your way without unnecessary fuss. In many countries, people are required by law to carry a valid form of identification at all times. When filling out forms such as arrival and departure forms, a copy might be more accessible than your passport. Most travellers don’t commit their passport number to memory. While my cycling companions were rummaging in their gear for passports, I had already checked in with the aid of the laminated copy stored in an easily accessible pocket in my day bag. Our bike tour organizer had indicated we’d need to present a passport to check in to the hotel. It was in Cambodia that I was the first in line at the hotel registration desk. For travellers who don’t like to be separated from their passports, it’s easier to hand over a laminated copy than to trust leaving the actual passport in the hands of stranger for several hours. In some countries, the hotelier will want to keep your passport in order to record the necessary information to satisfy his or her legal obligations. Whatever your preference, with a passport securely stowed or locked away, there’s less chance of loss, theft, or irreparable damage. Others prefer to leave it in a safe or safety deposit box at their accommodation. Some travellers advocate carrying their passport at all times in an under-clothing security pouch or a pickpocket-proof bag. It’s an opportunity to keep a passport in a secure, but somewhat inaccessible place. If you ever have to apply for an emergency passport, a copy of your lost or stolen passport will expedite the process. These can be invaluable in getting you medical treatment and consular support. A readily accessible copy of your passport provides first responders with your name, age, and citizenship. There may be an occasion when you’re not in a position to speak for yourself. I’ve used it to establish proof of age when seeking a discount. In each case, a copy was all that was required. I’ve been asked for my passport at hospitals, booking agencies, banks, mobile service providers, supermarkets, credit card terminals, and car rental agencies. While it’s necessary to hand over an actual passport to a border services officer, there are many other situations when a copy is all that’s needed. Six reasons to carry laminated copies of your passport 1. Mine is tacked to the fridge with a copy of my itinerary. Leave another copy with stay-at-home family members. Perhaps share one with a travelling companion. Carry a physical copy in each bag, and a scanned copy in Dropbox or your email account. Always carry laminated copies of your passport. In cases like this, I’ve just the solution. What do you do? Do you undress on the spot? Do you find somewhere more private and lose your place in the line? Or, do you rummage through your bag much to the chagrin of other travellers? Darn, it’s in your under-clothing security pouch. By the time you reach the head of the queue, a long line has formed behind you. As passengers spill out of the tour bus, you’re one of the first to line up at the hotel’s registration desk.
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