When you are traveling overseas your passport is one of the most important documents that you carry with you. A passport can be a prized item among some foreign thieves. But there are plenty of measures that you can take to avoid a stolen American passport and to keep safe and secure while traveling.

In the event that your passport is stolen you should contact the consulate or embassy of your country as soon as possible. It is a good idea to have their details noted down with your travel documents for the sake of efficiency if something does happen. Some countries have the capability for you to report your stolen passport online through the department of foreign affairs. It is essential that you report its loss so that it cannot be misused or your identity cannot be used for fraud.

If your passport is stolen, you should report it as soon as possible. You will need to have a replacement passport issued in order to be able to leave the country you are visiting. At the local diplomatic mission of your nation you will complete a passport application, have the interview done, pay the replacement fee and you may also have to pay an extra fee for the lost passport.

There are several measures that you can take while traveling to keep your passport safe. The first one is to always keep your passport safe. The best place is close to your body in a traveler's pouch around your stomach. Do not place your passport inside suitcases as they can easily be misplaced en route and do not place them inside back packs while you are out and about visiting places as these may be stolen or pick pocketed easily.

A soon as you have used your passport put it back in your money belt. Never leave them lying around on benches, counters or tables as it is very easy to leave them when you walk away. When presenting your passport to check into a hotel, changing money, getting through customs or anything else, make sure that you keep it in your sight at all times. It is not recommended that you leave your passport in your hotel or with the hotel staff.

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 U.S. 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.