Article Highlights:

  • Nearly 400,000 U.S., Canadian, and U.K. passports are lost or stolen annually, causing major travel disruptions.
  • Countries like Spain, Italy, and France have high rates of petty theft against tourists, while Japan and Switzerland have some of the lowest.
  • Thieves use distraction techniques such as Bump and Lift, Cut and Grab, and Distract and Swipe to target unsuspecting travelers.
  • Expert travelers split their valuables to prevent total loss, with over 30% of female travelers using this method.
  • Global Rescue provides emergency assistance, helping travelers replace passports, recover funds, and navigate foreign legal processes.

Travelers face a real risk of losing essential documents such as a passport, credit cards, ID, or cash while exploring a foreign country. Nearly 400,000 U.S., Canadian, and U.K. passports are reported lost or stolen annually. These incidents can cause disruptions, requiring immediate action to secure replacements. Stolen credit cards add another layer of inconvenience, leading to financial insecurity and potential fraud risks.

Pickpocketing and theft are common in many destinations, with some countries being more notorious than others.

Locations like Barcelona, Rome, and Paris are hotspots for petty crime, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Meanwhile, countries such as Japan, Switzerland, and Singapore have some of the lowest theft rates against travelers.

In addition to everyday pickpockets, some destinations also have a reputation for corrupt law enforcement officers who may extort tourists rather than help them. Travelers should always research a country’s security conditions before visiting and take proactive safety measures.

 

How Thieves Target Travelers

Criminals use several tactics to steal valuables from unsuspecting tourists. Thieves will often create physical distractions—like bumping into someone—to steal wallets or phones unnoticed. They will cut purse straps or backpack zippers before running off with the stolen item. Teams of thieves use interruptions, such as asking for directions or causing a commotion, while an accomplice takes valuables. Criminals on motorcycles or foot quickly grab purses, bags, or backpacks and escape before the victim can react.

Expert travelers take precautions by using anti-theft accessories such as crossbody purses with zippers, money belts, and hidden wallets. Keeping important valuables in separate locations also minimizes risk. If one item is stolen, a traveler will still have access to other essentials.

 

Next Steps for a Lost Passport or Stolen Credit Card

Losing a passport or credit card in a foreign country can be stressful, but taking swift and informed action can help mitigate the damage. The first step is to report the theft to local authorities and obtain a police report, which is often required for passport replacement or insurance claims.

If their passport is lost, travelers should contact their embassy or consulate immediately. A stolen passport can lead to identity theft, so it must be reported to prevent misuse. Expedited replacements are available in some locations, but processing times vary. Travelers who have copies of their passport and identification will have an easier time securing a replacement.

If credit cards are stolen, banks and credit card companies should be notified as soon as possible to block transactions and issue new cards. Many financial institutions offer emergency cash advances or alternative payment solutions. If cash is lost, Western Union or other money transfer services can help travelers receive funds from family or friends.

A backup financial plan, such as carrying an extra debit card or keeping emergency cash in a hotel safe, can be invaluable.

 

Best Methods for Protecting Valuables While Traveling

To reduce the risk of losing essential travel documents or money, expert travelers follow key safety measures:

  • Splitting up valuables: Keeping cash, credit cards, and identification in multiple places ensures that losing one item won’t result in total loss. According to the Summer 2024 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, a quarter (26%) of male travelers and nearly a third (30%) of female travelers rely on this strategy.
  • Using anti-theft accessories: Money belts, RFID-blocking wallets, and undercover travel wallets reduce the risk of pickpocketing.
  • Keeping digital copies of important documents: Storing scans of a passport, ID, and credit card information in secure cloud storage can facilitate quick replacements.
  • Informing banks about travel plans prevents credit card companies from flagging legitimate foreign transactions as suspicious.
  • Avoiding overt displays of wealth: Flashing expensive items, withdrawing large amounts of cash in public, or carrying open bags increases the risk of theft.

 

Travelers should be wary of fraudulent passport replacement services when dealing with lost or stolen passports. Criminals operate fake websites that claim to expedite passport replacements but instead steal personal and financial information. These scams often use misleading URLs that resemble government sites but contain minor misspellings, such as “govv.uk.com” instead of “.gov.uk.”

According to Harding Bush, associate director of Security Operations at Global Rescue, only official government agencies can issue passports, and travelers should verify web addresses before entering sensitive information.

The Global Rescue Connection

For travelers dealing with lost passports or stolen credit cards, Global Rescue members get immediate support, including assistance with lost passport replacement, guidance on obtaining emergency funds, including options for money transfers, and security advisory services to help navigate the safest course of action when dealing with theft, scams, or legal complications abroad.

Maredith Richardson’s story highlights the importance of professional travel assistance. While studying abroad in Paris, she experienced the sudden panic of a stolen passport. She immediately contacted Global Rescue and was assisted within 30 seconds.

“The process to get an appointment for a passport replacement could take weeks. Global Rescue handled it completely, got it hammered out within a couple of hours, and secured an embassy appointment,” she recalled. “I didn’t have to do a single thing except pull my documentation together.”