If you’re traveling to a different country, even for a weekend, you’re required by law to have your actual passport book on you at all times. Failure to do so will result in imprisonment until your status can be verified (assuming you’re in a country that will bother) – you’ll likely get a large fine once you do get out.
Anyone whose been overseas can tell you to learn from their mistake – take a passport pouch with you. It becomes very burdensome to carry the small blue book with you every time you go out. Carrying it is the most dangerous, as you’re liable to drop it or just sit it somewhere and forget about it. A pocket is just as dangerous, since pickpockets can retrieve items from them without you ever noticing. Bags aren’t a good option either, as they can be ripped from your hands or off your shoulder.
The solution, you might ask? A passport pouch.
A passport pouch is designed to carry your passport, is small and flat, and can be slipped underneath your shirt so that no one knows it’s there. These can be purchased from commercial stores and online, usually for $20 or so. This is an outrageous price for such a small item. If you’re traveling, backpacking especially, you don’t want to spend unnecessary money on something worth less than $5.
The solution is to make your own passport pouch. This is incredibly simple to do and requires only ten minutes. Most people already have all the materials they need in their own home or apartment, so little effort is involved.
Items Needed:
Material
Sewing needle and thread
Drawstring or soft, thick cord
Zipper or velcro
Step 1: The first thing you have to choose is fabric. You may have noticed that an old pair of jeans will provide you with nearly all the material you need, so consider digging through the closet for an old pair. If you want to use something else, look for the scrap material at fabric stores – these usually sell for a couple of dollars.
You’ll also need a drawstring, soft cord, or other type of thread that will make a comfortable, small, and durable strap. Something made from cotton is ideal.
Finally, you’ll need a small (5″ or so) zipper or a piece of Velcro – a magnet or button will also work, but isn’t as secure.
Step 2: This tutorial is going to assume you’re using an old pair of jeans. Use a thread ripper to remove the zipper. Now, use a sharp pair of scissors to cut out the back pocket. This should be just big enough for your passport. Sew the zipper on the opening using the needle and thread.
Step 3: Place the passport pouch at a comfortable height on your body and measure out a length of cord by going across your chest, over your opposite shoulder, around your back, and back to your side. Cut the cord. Using your needle and thread, sew the ends onto each side of the pouch. When you’re finished, tug on it hard several times to make sure it’s not going to give.
Step 4: Insert your passport, zip the zipper, and carry it around for a day under your shirt. The denim should be comfortable against the skin, but the cord may cause irritation. If it does, change it for a better one. Also, you may decide to make the cord longer – this is the time to do it.
