Carry Two Forms of ID When Traveling Abroad, Advises Expert
Holidaymakers are being advised by a travel expert to always have two forms of identification with them when they travel. The UK’s Foreign Office recently recommended that travelers flying from the UK should carry an additional form of photographic ID besides their passport. This suggestion aims to address concerns about the potential loss or theft of passports and phones, providing a safety net in unforeseen circumstances while abroad.
Matt Bramich, the product and purchasing director at Inghams and Santa’s Lapland, emphasized the importance of having dual photo IDs when traveling overseas. Losing a passport or phone can result in travelers being stranded without crucial information like accommodation details, flight data, emergency contacts, or insurance policy particulars. By carrying a second form of photographic ID, such as a driving license or national ID card, travelers enhance their security measures.
While no one plans to encounter unexpected challenges while abroad, being prepared is essential. This includes having suitable travel insurance, packing emergency essentials, and now, ensuring you have more than one form of identification on hand. In some countries, it is common for authorities to request passport verification, making it advisable to keep passports securely stored in accommodations due to their value on the black market.
Carrying a secondary ID allows travelers to keep their passport safe while engaging in activities that require age or identity verification. This precaution is particularly relevant for active winter holidays involving outdoor pursuits like skiing or snowboarding. Bulky documents like passports can be impractical and risky to carry during such activities, making a smaller, secondary ID a more convenient and secure option.
Additionally, a second form of ID can be crucial in case of illness or injury while traveling. While smartphones may store emergency medical information, having a physical photo ID along with an updated EHIC/GHIC card can expedite hospital admissions, access to insurance details, and communication with family or national embassies in case of emergency.
Before embarking on a trip, travelers should familiarize themselves with the ID requirements of the countries they are visiting, as some nations mandate carrying photographic ID by law. For detailed information, travelers can refer to the UK government’s ‘foreign travel advice’ page or consult their travel provider before departure.
