15 Best Passport Holders for Every Type of Traveler - Buy Side from WSJ

No need to fly by the seat of your pants when it comes to carrying travel documents—these secure, stylish picks will ensure you’ve got it all together

Written By

Written by

Contributor, Buy Side from WSJ

Sarah Grossbart is a contributor to Buy Side from WSJ.

Written by

Former Assistant Editor, Buy Side from WSJ

Bellamy Richardson was an assistant editor at Buy Side from WSJ and is a fashion and beauty expert.

Updated October 21, 2024, 9:16 PM EDT

$60

$385

$30 $24

$80

$95

$49

$450

$185

$250

$28 $20

$23

$45

$560

$115

$16

International travel can be unpredictable, so protecting that most important travel document-your passport-can add some peace of mind. We asked jetsetters to open up their carry-ons and share the passport cases they rely on to breeze through border control, whether you're looking for personalization, RFID technology, or other features in one of the most important travel accessories.

$60 at Satechi

$60 at Amazon

This Apple AirTag-friendly passport wallet is designed to help you keep track of your valuables, especially if you're nervous about misplacing or otherwise losing your passport. This smart option features built-in Find My support, so it works like an AirTag, our favorite Bluetooth tracker, without needing separate hardware. It's also made from soft, vegan-friendly faux leather, and its battery is rechargeable on any wireless charger.

$385 at Smythson

If you're traveling internationally and want to keep track of multiple currencies in addition to your passport, this multi-zip case has you covered. Miami-based travel and style writer Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon of JetSetSarah likes that it has four different colored zipper compartments (two on each side) so she can store two currencies separately, plus her passport, ID and transportation tickets. “Because it's not specifically a passport holder, it can be repurposed for anything,” she says. The case is made from crossgrain calf leather and comes in eight colors including Nile Blue, Scarlet Red and Bright Emerald.

$24 at Amazon

$30 save $6

$28 at Macy's

If you're traveling with the whole family, you might be looking for an option that can comfortably hold more than just one passport. Anne McAlpin, author of “Pack It Up: The Essential Guide to Smart Travel,” recommends this multi-passport holder from Travelon, which holds up to four passports and includes four card slots. She particularly likes that it has a zipper around the outside that keeps everything secure, as opposed to many holders that just have a sleeve or pocket.

$80 at Fjallraven

This rustic pick is built to outlast your next passport. “This leather cover will acquire a nice patina the longer you use it,” says Spokane, Wash.-based jetsetter Emily Mandagie, who runs the travel blog The Mandagies with husband Berty, a fellow professional photographer and writer. Handmade in the brand's Swedish factory, it keeps it simple with the basics: Two card pockets and slots for your passport, boarding pass and just-in-case cash.

$95 at Nordstrom

This simple yet functional leather passport wallet from Royce uses radio frequency-blocking technology to protect your passport's-and your credit cards'-security. It claims to block unauthorized access of the chip in your government IDs or credit cards, so you don't have to worry about anyone stealing your private information. This passport and card holder carries up to four cards, and it has a clear card-window for a driver's license, work badge or any other identification you may need quick access to, marrying style and functionality. It's Barcelona-based travel writer Siobhan Reid's go-to travel wallet. Choose from 11 punchy colors including Lavender, Magenta and Dark-Green.

$49 at Mark and Graham

For a chic, personalized option, Mansel recommends this vegan leather passport case from Mark & Graham. Choose from more than a dozen solid colors and patterns, then add a printed or foil debossed monogram of up to three letters. Monogram styles include plain block letters or initials alongside two tennis rackets, golf clubs, skis, pickleball paddles or lacrosse sticks, so you can personalize it for the athlete in your life. See our list of the best gifts for travelers for more thoughtful ideas.

$450 at Bottega Veneta

Sometimes good things come in 5.2-inch packages, like this Italian-crafted piece recommended by three of our experts. “If you want to go for style, this lambskin woven Bottega Veneta is pure luxury,” says Jonathan Alder, the Winter Park, Fla.-based founder of luxury travel management company Jonathan's Travels, who has checked 72 countries off his bucket list. Siffat Haider, co-founder of supplement brand Arrae in Los Angeles, is also a fan of this “chic and light” pick. Since she's regularly on the move between Toronto, Los Angeles, New York City, Tulum, Mexico and Dhaka, Bangladesh, Haider appreciates that the durable holder has “space for cards, too, which is super convenient.” This designer passport holder comes in black and a vibrant green called Parakeet, which is Alder's pick because it's harder to misplace.

$185 at Anya Hindmarch

If you often find yourself hunting through your bag, this transparent case may be the answer, according to Isatu Funna, who travels between her native Sierra Leone, the U.S. and London, where she runs her design studio, Dar Leone. “I love that I can see at a glance what's inside.” Part of the renowned British accessory brand's line of pouches, the 9-inch passport case acts as a carryall for Funna, who stocks the “very versatile” pick with “passports, tickets, loose change for tips, post-it reminders and jewelry.”

$250 at Smythson

Minimalist types will appreciate the sleek design of this Smythson cover with slip pockets for your boarding pass and passport. Funna hails the Italian craftsmanship and large grain calf leather exterior with an exaggerated crossgrain texture that's as durable as it is beautiful. “Pure elegance,” she raves of the piece, available in four classic neutrals. “It's a perfectly discreet passport case.”

$20 at Samsonite

$28 save $8

$25 at Amazon

Now that fanny packs-aka belt bags-have made the transition from tourist trope to fashionable accessories, international food and travel writer Katie Parla, who lives in Rome and has passports from both the U.S. and Italy, would like to make a case for over-the-neck pouches. “I need a passport holder that can accommodate both passports,” explains Parla, author of the cookbook-slash-travel guide, “Food of the Italian Islands.” “This lightweight pouch keeps my docs safe around my neck, so I never mistakenly leave them behind, even in the most chaotic travel situations.” Parla finds it's easier to slip passports out of the pouch's hanging pocket than pull them out of a classic holder.

$23 at REI

$23 at Eagle Creek

$45 at Victorinox

McAlpin is a fan of over-the-neck passport holders, especially the Eagle Creek RFID-blocking neck wallet, since she's used products from the brand for over 25 years. She says this undercover security passport wallet is “very comfortable,” and she appreciates that it's made with “quick-wicking fabric designed to wear under clothing.” She also likes that it has RFID-blocking technology to protect her passport from possible skimming. McAlpin recommends this Victorinox security pouch, which also has RFID protection, for storing daily travel essentials.

$560 at Anya Hindmarch

Both Type A travelers and those who are a bit scattered will appreciate the paint-by-numbers approach of this capra leather piece. Labeled compartments for items like cards, currency and tickets “make staying organized on the go easy,” says Camryn Leibowitz, co-founder of travel and accessories brand Royce & Rocket, who has toted the wallet for years. With room for a passport up front and your travel documents behind it, it will “save you many frantic searches through your handbag,” says the New Jersey resident, who started the business after moving back and forth between the U.S. and U.K. six times. Plus, the customization options — from an embossed monogram to a message or quote — let you really make it your own.

$115 at Aspinal of London

Anyone seeking the royal treatment will appreciate this leather good from the brand behind some of Kate Middleton's favorite handbags. New York City-based designer and stylist Sam Ratelle gives the company high marks for sourcing “only the finest full-grain leather.” Each compact 5.5-inch piece is lined with suede and has a grosgrain ribbon marker. He also appreciates that the exterior is made of durable Italian Saffiano leather, which is durable and easy to wipe clean.

$16 at Amazon

For those who like to travel with AirTags, Mansel recommends this nice-price case, which includes a slot for your Apple Bluetooth tracker, built-in RFID blocking material and an elastic strap closure. The lightweight, faux leather passport holder comes in eight colors including Green, Sky Blue and Black.

Sarah Grossbart is a contributor to Buy Side from WSJ.

Bellamy Richardson was an assistant editor at Buy Side from WSJ and is a fashion and beauty expert.

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