Identity theft while travelling has become an increasing concern for British holidaymakers and business travellers alike. Recent data reveals that over 83,000 applications for emergency travel documents to replace lost or stolen UK passports were made between 2019 and 2023, highlighting the scale of document-related security issues facing UK travellers. Meanwhile, CIFAS recorded over 249,000 cases of identity fraud in 2024, with criminals targeting travellers who may be more vulnerable when away from familiar surroundings.
- Secure Your Documents and Physical Belongings
Your passport, credit cards, and identification documents are prime targets for criminals, making physical security the first thing to worry about. Always use hotel safes when available, or invest in a discreet money belt or anti-theft bag to keep essential documents close to your body.
Never leave valuables unattended in public places, vehicles, or even seemingly secure hotel rooms, as opportunistic thieves often target tourist areas specifically. Create multiple photocopies of important documents before departure, storing originals and copies in separate locations.
Consider leaving one set of copies with trusted contacts at home whilst keeping another set in your luggage, separate from the originals.
- Fortify Digital Security on Your Devices
Before departing, make sure that all your devices have great security measures in place to protect against digital theft. Enable strong device locks using complex passwords or biometric authentication, and activate full disc encryption on laptops and tablets to protect stored data if devices are stolen.
Configure remote wipe capabilities on smartphones and tablets, allowing you to erase sensitive information if your device falls into the wrong hands. Implement two-factor authentication on all critical accounts, and consider using a reliable password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords for each service.
- Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi and Online Scams
Public Wi-Fi networks in airports, hotels, and cafés are security risks, as cybercriminals often create fake hotspots to intercept personal data. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts such as online banking or email when connected to public networks, unless you’re using a reliable VPN to encrypt your connection.
Exercise extreme caution when entering personal information online whilst travelling, always verifying URLs carefully before providing login credentials or payment details.
Be particularly vigilant against booking fraud and phishing attempts, which often target tourists through fake travel websites or accommodation scams. When possible, use your mobile data connection instead of public Wi-Fi for sensitive online activities.
- Monitor Accounts and Take Protective Measures
Maintain vigilant oversight of your financial accounts throughout your trip and in the weeks following your return home. Check bank statements and credit reports regularly, setting up account alerts to notify you immediately of any suspicious transactions. If you notice any unauthorised activity, report it to your bank immediately and consider registering for services like CIFAS Protective Registration to add an extra layer of security to your credit file.
Should you lose important documents whilst abroad, report the theft to local police immediately and contact the nearest British embassy or consulate for assistance with emergency travel documents. Keep detailed records of all incidents, including police report numbers, as these will be essential for insurance claims and document replacement procedures.
Protecting your identity whilst travelling requires ongoing vigilance and preparation, but these measures create solid defences against the most common threats facing modern travellers. When taking proactive steps before departure and maintaining security-conscious habits throughout your journey, you can focus on enjoying your travels with greater peace of mind, knowing your personal information and identity remain well protected.
