How to safeguard your passport when travelling - and what to do if you lose it

To lessen your risk of losing your passport, DFAT said you should know where it is at all times. Keep it dry and don't alter it in any way (because damaging a passport can void it), and never allow anyone else to use it.

It is a good idea to keep a photo or photocopy of your passport's photo page, or at least a record of its number and expiry date. "This can be useful for your own reference," a DFAT spokesperson said.

Dr David Beirman, senior lecturer in tourism at the University of Technology Sydney, said it's also a good idea for a loved one back home to keep a copy of your passport details page, just in case. Some countries require you to carry identification on you at all times. But if you're leaving it behind in a hotel safe, make sure to pick a difficult passcode and test the safe first.

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Maureen Mullins, spokesperson for Cover-More Travel Insurance, said when keeping your passport on your person, keep it as close to your body as possible. "This means avoiding back or outer pockets in favour of hard-to-access inner pockets or the inner compartment of a bag," she said.

The Australian passport has sophisticated security features that prevent unauthorised reading of information or "skimming" of data stored on the chip, DFAT said. However, if you want to add extra security, consider an RFID wallet - it will also help protect your passport from getting wet and damaged.

A spokesperson for the Insurance Council of Australia said many travel insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a lost or stolen passport, but there are exclusions. If a passport is left unattended, or if an incident occurs while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, this may invalidate a claim.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you are overseas, contact your nearest Australian diplomatic or consular mission. "They will be able to assist you to organise a replacement. Also should report the theft to local police and to Australian police once you return," DFAT said. Check the travel advice at smartraveller.gov.au and a list of consulates and embassies at dfat.gov.au.

A November 2024 report from Compare the Market showed the Australian passport is the most expensive in the world (compared with the countries analysed). 'At $398, it's more than 10 times the cost of an Indian or Hungarian passport,' Compare the Market's Chris Ford said. He said there are many factors that influence that cost, including increased passport technology and anti-fraud upgrades. The fees also contribute to continually updating the nation's passport services and systems.