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The 1 place you should never put your passport—plus the best hack that always keeps it safe

Travel + Leisure
Credit: Travel + Leisure

There’s only one place to safely keep your passport while traveling.

There’s only one place to safely keep your passport while traveling.

Secure Travel Bags for Passports

When you pack your passport in your carry-on luggage, you’re seemingly tucking the document away where you can’t lose it. In reality, this can cause major headaches: it’s essential to keep your passport with you at all times. If you pack your passport in your carry-on and later need to gate-check your bag, you won’t be able to retrieve your passport before you reach immigration, which could result in being denied entry at your destination. Even if you’re traveling domestically, you should never pack your passport in your carry-on. Travelers frequently need to stow their carry-on luggage in an overhead bin far from their seat, and in this case, you won’t be able to keep an eye on your belongings. Sadly, in-flight theft happens, and your passport can easily be stolen mid-flight. 

There’s one easy alternative to packing your passport in your carry-on, and as expert travelers, we always recommend it to our family and friends: wear a crossbody bag, belt bag, or money belt to keep your wallet, passport, phone, and other valuables close to your body and safe from thieves. Keep reading to shop 11 reliable travel bags ahead of your next trip—from $9 at Amazon. 

Related: I'm a TSA Employee, These 10 Mistakes Instantly Make You 'That' Person at Security—and How to Avoid Them

Travelon Anti-theft Metro Convertible Crossbody Bag

Travelon Anti-Theft Metro Convertible Small Crossbody Bag
Credit: Amazon

$55 at Amazon

Travelon bags have some of the best security features on the market, and this convertible bag is no exception. Its body and straps are slash-proof to ensure pickpockets can’t remove the bag, and it also has zipper pulls that lock for security. As if that’s not impressive enough, this bag even has RFID-blocking technology to protect against cyberattacks. Wear this bag as a crossbody or belt bag for a comfortable, hands-free fit.

Banelu Small Sling Bag

Banelu Small Sling Backpack
Credit: Amazon

$17 (47% Off) $9 at Amazon

This low-key sling bag is the least expensive option on our list. One reviewer used this bag on a trip to Italy and said they “often forgot” they were wearing it thanks to its comfortable, barely-there feel. They added that the secure pockets and discreet size gave them peace of mind. 

Travelon Anti-theft Crossbody Bag

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag Black
Credit: Amazon

$46 (8% Off) $42 at Amazon

This bag is designed to defend against pickpockets, so it features multiple unique safety features. The strap and bag are slash-resistant to prevent thieves from cutting the bag off your body, and it has RFID-blocking passport and card slots for extra security. Plus, its classic black design is versatile enough to pair with any travel look.

Isabelle Leather Crossbody Bag

Amazon Isabelle Small Lightweight Shoulder Bag
Credit: Amazon

$18 (44% Off) $10 at Amazon

You’ll wear this stylish leather crossbody all summer long—in and out of the airport. It features three external pockets, along with internal pockets. The adjustable strap can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag, making this a versatile purse for any occasion.

Simptech Mini Sling Bag

Simptech Mini Crossbody Sling Bag
Credit: Amazon

$17 at Amazon

Sling bags are another popular option for travelers, and reviewers rave about this one from Simptech. One shopper used this bag on a seven-day trip to Europe and had plenty of room for their family’s passports, cash, and more. They add that the conveniently placed buckle at the front of the bag ensures pickpockets aren’t able to unlatch the bag from behind.

Bostanten Leather Crossbody Bag

BOSTANTEN Small Crossbody Purse for Women Triple Zip Cell Phone Leather Handbag with Colored Shoulder Strap
Credit: Amazon

$30 (20% Off) $24 at Amazon

This fashion-forward option will secure your passport while complementing your travel outfit. It has a vegan leather exterior, gold hardware, and an adjustable woven strap. There are two exterior zip pockets, along with internal compartments to keep your belongings organized. 

Bostanten Leather Sling Bag

BOSTANTEN Small Sling Bag for Women Leather Crossbody Bags Fanny Pack Chest Bag for Travel
Credit: Amazon

$29 (10% Off) $26 at Amazon

This stylish sling bag has several zippered compartments, so you won’t be rummaging through an unorganized bag at the airport. It has three front pockets, along with a hidden back pocket that’s perfect for hiding your passport. It even has card slots inside to organize your IDs and credit cards. We love the summery look of this bag, which comes in 17 vegan leather colors. 

Maxtop Large Crossbody Bag

MAXTOP Large Crossbody Fanny Pack
Credit: Amazon

$13 (23% Off) $10 at Amazon

More than 10,000 shoppers purchased this crossbody bag in the past month, and plenty of satisfied reviewers report using it to secure their valuables while traveling internationally. It features four separate pockets to organize your belongings, including a hidden back pocket that’s ideal for your passport. 

Pander 2L Belt Bag 

Amazon Pander Belt Bag
Credit: Amazon

$20 at Amazon

This trendy option from Pander looks so much like a shopper-loved name-brand version that’s much more expensive, and one shopper says it has the “exact same feel and quality,” too. The bag has a water-resistant nylon exterior that’s durable enough for any itinerary, along with two zippered pockets. One of the exterior compartments is even hidden at the back of the bag for extra peace of mind. 

Alpha Keeper Hidden Money Belt

Amazon Alpha Keeper Hidden Money Belt
Credit: Amazon

$25 (8% Off) $23 at Amazon

If you prefer a traditional money belt to conceal beneath your clothes, this one from Alpha Keeper is “comfortable to wear” and keeps items “secure from pickpockets.” It is slim enough to be discreet under clothing, and the length is adjustable to suit every traveler. Plus, it has two zippered pockets and one hidden compartment to secure your valuables.

Inicat Leather Sling Bag

Amazon INICAT Travel Small Sling Bag
Credit: Amazon

$26 (7% Off) $24 at Amazon

One shopper calls this the “perfect purse for international travel.” It has a gorgeous vegan leather exterior that looks expensive, as well as stylish gold hardware. The small sling bag also includes two large compartments that are large enough to hold all the essentials “without feeling bulky or cumbersome.”

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