Keeping your passport safe is one of the most important steps to enjoying an overseas vacation. Your passport is an essential travel document and also a prized trophy for many thieves as they can be used or sold on the black market for big bucks. You can prevent a stolen USA Passport by taking some easy measures to keep your documents secure.

If you have your passport stolen, then you should get in contact with the local diplomatic mission, consulate or embassy closest to you. To be prepared for an event such as this, you should have the details of your passport and other travel documents copied or noted down elsewhere. There are some foreign affairs departments in some countries that have an online service for you to report your stolen passport. It is essential that you do this quickly to avoid anyone using it fraudulently.

Your reissued passport can most likely be delivered to the diplomatic mission where you are staying. In some circumstances you may need the help of the embassy to work out the best way for delivery to occur. You can work out these details when you visit the mission in order to fill in the passport application and pay for the replacement. Usually you also have to pay an extra fee for the lost passport.

When you are traveling you should keep your passport safe and sound by keeping it close to you at all times. The best way to do this is by putting it in a money belt around your belly. Never put your passport in a suitcase as you lose sight of these and thefts or loss is common. Don't carry your passport in a day pack as these can be targeted by pick pockets or thieves.

When you have used your passport, put it back into your money belt immediately. If you leave it lying on a counter or table top, then you are increasing the chance of forgetting it or mislaying it. It is best not to leave your passport with hotel staff and if they request this, then offer them a photocopy. Your hotel room may be accessed by other people when you are absent so do not keep it there either.

Keep photocopies of your passport and other important documents. If you need a visa for the country that you are traveling through, you should also take a copy of this. A good way to store them is to scan them into your computer and have them stored in your email account so that you can always access them.

Be careful of your security when you are withdrawing money from ATMs or exchanging money at a currency exchange or bank. There are often thieves that wait around these areas looking for tourists to pick pocket or rob. Never count money in public and put it away securely in your money belt as soon as possible.

When you are on vacation having to replace a lost or stolen United States passport is a problem that you do not need. Take all the necessary precautions with your United States passport and you are much more likely to have a peaceful and uneventful trip for the right reasons.