Your passport is your most important legal document while traveling overseas. You must have a valid passport to show border and customs authorities when you enter or leave the U.S., when you cross other national borders, and on all occasions that require official verification of your citizenship.
- Always keep your passport in a safe but accessible place.
- While in transit to your study away destination, carry your passport on your person.
- Be aware of your surroundings in order to lower the chance of losing your passport or having it stolen.
- Secure your passport in a hotel safe or lockbox when not in use.
- Protect your passport from damage by using a passport cover. Extreme sun, as well as water and humidity can damage your passport, so keep it in a cool and dry place.
- Have a photocopy of your passport to speed up the replacement process if it is lost or stolen.
Information about reporting a lost or stolen passport can be found on the State Department’s website. If the loss occurs abroad, immediately notify the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy. Theft of a passport should also be reported to local police authorities. You should also contact the Office of Global Health and Safety for support in the event of a lost or stolen passport.
Some travel insurance covers the costs associated with lost passports, so if you are thinking about travel insurance, you can look for options that include this coverage.