Think about the amazing beaches you’re enjoying at the moment, the landmarks that you’re about to visit. But out of nowhere, some mysterious locals just interacted with you and finding out all of a sudden by looking down to your bag, your wallet with your passport, IDs, some cash has been looted. Is this really happening? Do you have any recovery plan before flying out to a foreign country in case something like this happens? No? Then this is the start of your worst nightmare and it could happen to everyone.
Consider the trip ruined for you, especially when you’re traveling for a limited number of days only, as the whole process may take at least 3 days to get the necessary work done. And it case this mishap happens to be a weekend, only god knows how to get this done.
What Are The Things That Can Happen To You If Someone else has your passport
This mishap could happen to anyone. Have you ever wondered, what are things that can happen to you if someone else has your passport? The worst thing is identity theft. Your passport can be used for criminal impersonating or your passport data can be sell in the darkweb in three formats namely; digital scans, actual physical passport, or a template for creating a finish passport. Which anybody might be interested in doing since its prices ranges from $5-$65 for scans, $29-$89 for templates and up to $5,000 for the finished product.
Here are the statistics that shows how many people are victim of identity theft and some ways to prevent it from happening:
What is the Process in Case Your Passport Got Stolen
Step 1. Go to the local police station of the area where you have lost the passport and report the matter. They will let you fill in the necessary form for this police report.
Step 2. The local police station will forward you to the head office where you need to take the report and to get another report from their end.
Step 3. Get the police report authenticated from the notary / authentication office in the country which has the mandate to do this.
Step 4. Take the authenticated report to the “Department of Foreign Affairs” for their record and for stamping as well.
Step 5. Once you have the report vetted by the “Department of Foreign Affairs”, you can then approach your home embassy for the issuance of “Emergency Certificate” for exit and/or temporary passport replacement. This step may take the longest depending on the embassy’s process. The passport is temporary and expired usually after 90 days from the date of issuance.
Step 6. Then you need to get an exit visa. The may push you to an ‘emergency’ (expedited) processing after explaining that you passport got stolen, you can then obtain a same day exit visa.
As a Precaution, Here Are The Things You Should Do Before Traveling
1.Always carry several photocopies of your passport (front and back) including two passport size photographs. Have a digital copies on your smartphone and laptop at home too, you may need it for future.
2.Store your most important valuables into a separate hidden bag. Preferably a mens leather travel bag which is you can carry along with you everywhere for its lightweight feature, hidden and safety lock closures. You’ll be able to protect your passport and other travel documents.
With it’s belt attachment features, you’ll be able to wear this crossbody cell phone holder hidden under your jacket. Or use this using the crossbody strap and cover it with your jacket you can be fully protected against identity theft. With its water-resistant material, all your valuables are safe against rain showers as well.
3.Apply for travel insurance. Theft protection insurance has recently been available for many travelers. In exchange for the monthly payment for this, this service will help you protect yourself against identity theft. Pay close attention to the insurance details. A travel insurance should cover loss of passport, luggage, flight delays and medical emergencies.
4.Avoid using ATMs, so carry some cash with you. It can help you transact with anything faster and safer.
5.Keep your passport and other important IDs separated. That way in case your passport got stolen, your other identification cards are safe.