Stylish Or Unnecessary? The Wonderful World Of Passport Covers

There's something for everyone.

As the financial barrier to air travel continuously decreases on average, international travel increases. According to Our World in Data, international tourist arrivals globally are in the billions. As a result, passports are in need; even the US, infamously associated with comparatively low rates of passport holders, struggled to handle the hundreds of thousands of weekly applications that poured in for Spring break travel and what will be upcoming Summer vacations. But is there a way to protect our little booklets that, barring visa requirements, allows us to travel the world?

Passports, on their own, are prone to bends, water damage, and more. In the process of making a passport, dozens of materials are used, and most contain embedded chips with the holder's information. While minor damage probably won't cause a problem, and we should be cautious with such an important document anyways, accidents happen, and significant damage can result in a security officer rejecting your passport. Thus, we have passport protectors and covers.

If you’ve traveled internationally in the last few years, you’ve likely seen a passport cover while waiting in line; people holding their precious document with a color or pattern that doesn't match any country's design. From simple to colorful and even designer options, there's one for everyone.

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If you’re extremely careful and trust yourself no matter what, perhaps not. And to be fair, there are options labeled as "top picks" that aren't remarkably economical. For example, there's a cover for $75 USD from Away, the travel brand that makes popular minimalist suitcases and carry-ons (and the United Polaris Business amenity kits). It's in line with their brand design and has a couple of small areas to fit a passport, ID, credit cards, and a bit of cash. But other than being a leather pocket, it's not doing much.

Options go up to the $400 range when you find designer brands like YSL and Louis Vuitton. If that's your thing, by all means enjoy. If you’re comfortable spending the money but looking for something more practical than just a passport cover, there are well-made travel folio products. For example, the premium bag, wallet, and accessory maker Bellroy offers a durable, RFID-protected, all-in-one solution for up to two passports, eight cards, flat bill currency, and even small pockets for a pen, SIM card, and SIM ejector. Granted, this will run you around $170, but if you’re always on the go and looking for a wallet alternative that still fits in your pocket (about the size of a passport with a credit card stacked on top), this may be an investment worth making.

There are bigger versions of these at surprisingly low prices ($20 to $30, between stores in multiple regions) that are made to fit between four and six passports. Traveling internationally with young children can be challenging, but if you’ll be going abroad with one or more dependents who may not be particularly responsible with important documents, a family passport and document organizer might be the way to go.

Then you have the very affordable, simple, standard protectors. Ranging from $10 to $30, and many design options, typically, these are a hard bifold, just a hair larger than a passport. Inside, on one side, there's a full pocket to slide the front (or back, potentially) cover of your passport, so you can flip through it as needed without taking it out. On the other side are usually a few card/ID slots, with a space behind to put either a bit of cash or a checked baggage tag. This may be the most reasonable option for the average traveler considering a cover, as it's convenient and offers decent protection at a low cost. And many of them, even in the $15 price range, offer RFID protection.

Some may feel RFID protection isn't essential as the risk of someone stealing biometric passport info is low, and in case someone gets your credit card information, simply calling to report the fraudulent charge and request a new card will solve your problem. But especially for those using multiple loyalty, alliance, or other point-accruing cards, a small investment might be worth the potential headache of calling for replacement cards while traveling.

Either way, the choice is yours.

Do you use a passport cover or a similar product? Thinking about one for you or your family? Let us know in the comments below.

Sources: Our World in Data, The Hill, CNN

With a background in Chinese language and marketing, Justin merged his passions for air travel and communication to become a writer for the Simple Flying team. He closely monitors industry changes on a global scale, with particular interest in the East Asian and North American markets.