Copies of all identification documents for travel Having photocopies of your important travel documents can save you a headache if you lose your important travel documents. Keep your original documents in your carry-on or personal item. You can store one copy of these identification documents in each checked bag.

Yes, keeping a digital and physical copy of your passport in your luggage—separate from your actual passport—is a high-value safety "best practice" in 2026. If your physical passport is lost or stolen, having a high-quality photocopy (or a scanned PDF on an encrypted cloud drive) significantly speeds up the process of getting an Emergency Travel Document from your local embassy or consulate. It serves as "prima facie" evidence of your citizenship and identity. A peer-to-peer essential: don't just put it in your main suitcase; keep one copy in your carry-on and perhaps one with a trusted friend back home. For 2026 travelers, a "high-value" tip is to also have a photo of your entry stamp or e-Visa, as local authorities often need to see proof of your legal entry date. While a copy cannot be used for "official" boarding or border crossings, it is your "Insurance Policy" against a logistical nightmare that could otherwise leave you stranded in a foreign country for weeks during the verification process.