Keeping Your Passport Pages Intact During Long-Term Travel

To protect your passport during long-term travel, store it in a dedicated, waterproof, and RFID-blocking sleeve. If you are running low on pages, contact your nearest embassy at least two months before your trip ends to request extra pages or a renewal.

  1. Buy a slim, dedicated passport holder. Avoid bulky travel wallets that hold credit cards and cash, as these increase the frequency of pulling your passport out. Use a slim, water-resistant sleeve to keep it tucked away in a secure pocket of your carry-on.
  2. Designate a 'passport-only' pocket. Always put your passport back in the exact same spot immediately after immigration or hotel check-in. Never leave it in checked luggage or loose in a backpack side pocket.
  3. Use paperclips for temporary visas. If a country issues a paper entry/exit slip (like Thailand or Vietnam), use a small paperclip to attach it to an empty page. Do not use staples, as they damage the paper and can be hard for immigration officers to remove.
  4. Monitor your remaining page count. Count your remaining blank visa pages every 3 months. If you have fewer than 4 pages left, start researching the renewal process at your next major city stop.
Can I add more pages to my current passport?
Most countries, including the U.S., no longer allow the addition of pages. If you run out, you must apply for a full renewal.
What if my passport gets wet or torn?
A damaged passport is often considered invalid. If the bio page is compromised or the cover is falling off, visit an embassy immediately to replace it; do not attempt to tape it back together.