Best Passport Holders 2023
Any time you’re leaving the country, you’ll need to take your passport with you. Some countries might even require a visa. Either way, when it comes to accessories to make travel easier, a passport holder is generally considered a must-have for the frequent international traveler. Even if you don’t use your passport often, you may want to consider picking up a passport holder for added convenience on-the-go.
Take a look at some of our top picks for the best passport holders, explore some of the inherent pros and cons of using a passport holder, and check out some useful tips for picking the right passport holder for you. Also, don’t forget to get the right luggage by purchasing the best carry-on. From there, you’ll be even better prepared to embark on your next adventure!
Best Passport Holders
- Travelon ID and Boarding Pass Holder
- Zero Grid Travel Wallet & Passport Holder
- SanSiDo RFID-Blocking Leather Passport Cover
- YOMO RFID Class Neck Travel Wallet
- SimpacX Passport Holder Cover Case
Reviews of Best Passport Holders
Not sure where to begin your passport holder search? We’ve got some top-rated suggestions below that are a great starting point for any traveler.
1. Travelon ID and Boarding Pass Holder
This passport holder has a super practical design that includes separate slots for your passport, airline boarding passes, extra passport photo and photo ID. This will make getting through airport security a breeze. It also has a compact design and a thin strap so you can wear it around your neck for easy access. It may not be the fanciest looking passport holder out there, but it is extremely practical and well designed.
2. Zero Grid Travel Wallet & Passport Holder
If you’re looking for something with RFID-blocking technology, check out the Zero Grid travel wallet and passport holder. This holder has a zip-up wallet design and can hold several passports, as well as credit cards and other documents. It’s great for those traveling as a family unit because it allows for easy storage of up to six passports in one convenient location.
3. SanSiDo RFID-Blocking Leather Passport Cover
If you’re looking for something simple yet unique, this SanSiDo RFID-blocking passport holder, made of full-grain leather, is a great choice. On the outside, a gold foil quote that reads “not all those who wander are lost” is displayed. Inside, there is storage for a passport, cash, and up to four credit cards. This is a great choice for the lone traveler.
4. YOMO RFID Class Neck Travel Wallet
Travelers enjoy the lightweight design of the YOMO RFID passport holder, which can be easily worn around the neck for quick access. It also includes RFID technology to protect your personal information and is available in six different colors to meet your needs.
5. SimpacX Passport Holder Cover Case
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly passport holder, this one is definitely worth checking out. Its design is quite basic, but it’s lightweight and offers a lot of storage for the price. Specifically, there’s enough room in this RFID-blocking passport holder for your passport and phone, cash, keys, and up to three travel credit cards! It’s also available in several colors.
Advantages of Using Passport Holders
There are many benefits to using a passport holder, and most would agree that the advantages far outweigh any potential disadvantages.
Protect Against Wear and Tear
Passports are expensive, so the last thing you want is to have to replace yours prematurely due to damage. So long as your passport is kept in good shape, a United States passport is valid for 10 years—but traveling isn’t always easy on these fragile documents. If you need to renew your passport, please read our passport renewal guide. Being thrown in suitcases and handled roughly can cause pages to tear, and without a passport cover, there’s always the added concern of water/liquid damage.
By keeping your passport in a durable passport holder, you can reduce the risk of damage occurring that would require you to replace your passport prematurely. This can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run while giving you added peace of mind while traveling.
Enjoy Added Organization and Function
Many passport holders have additional functions beyond just holding your passport and keeping it safe from damage. You will find that most have added features to make your travel easier. For example, your passport holder may also have slots to hold credit cards and photo ID while traveling. Many also contain slots for holding a boarding pass so that you can keep all your essentials close-by while making your way through the airport.
Some passport holders will also contain small zipper pockets for storage of keys and other essentials, such as your cell phone. With these smart designs, you can keep all your important information and documents on you in one convenient place while you travel.
Reduce Risk of Losing Your Passport
Losing your passport can be a nightmare scenario, especially if you need to leave for a trip in the near future—or, even worse—are stranded in another country. A passport holder cannot absolutely guarantee that you won’t lose your passport, but it can reduce the risk. This is especially true of passport holders that come with neckstraps, which make it easy to carry your passport and other essentials on you at all times. You can even easily tuck your passport holder under your shirt if you have a money belt so that it’s not visible to others but you still have easy access as needed.
Show Off Your Unique Personality
In addition to being functional, passport holders can also help you show off your unique personality and sense of style. Some passport holders have fun designs and come in different colors or materials to suit your preferences. Others may have playful quotes or patterns on them. Either way, the right passport holder can help you show off your personality as you travel while also helping to set your passport apart from others. A brightly colored passport holder can also be easier to spot in your suitcase, making it easier to retrieve as needed.
Protect Your Personal Information
Many passport holders these days also come equipped with RFID-blocking technology; this can help to protect your personal and financial information, especially when you consider that most passports and credit cards these days contain RFID chips that could otherwise be scanned by thieves with RFID readers.
Disadvantages of Using Passport Holders
While most travelers would agree that using a passport holder is advantageous, there are some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of if you’re thinking about buying one.
Burdensome at Passport Checks
When you arrive at a location that requires a passport check, you will be asked to remove your passport from its cover/holder and present it to the passport official. This can be a burdensome and time-consuming process, depending on how easy or difficult it is to remove your passport from its holder. And of course, you’ll need to replace the cover or holder after each check as well. The best to avoid this becoming a hassle is to choose a passport cover that’s easy to remove and replace as needed.
Adds Extra Bulk
When traveling (especially internationally), it’s always best to pack light. Of course, that’s easier said than done! Some would argue that a passport holder adds extra bulk to your luggage. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. The key is to find a passport holder that is made of lightweight material and has a space-saving design to cut down on wasted space in your luggage. Choosing a passport holder that can be worn on your person can help to avoid this issue as well.
May Catch a Pickpocket’s Eye
One potentially serious disadvantage to be aware of is the fact that a passport holder could catch a pickpocket’s eye while you’re traveling—particularly if you’ve chosen a “flashier” style. This could make you more susceptible to being pickpocketed, especially if you’re not safe about how to store your passport holder.
This situation can also be easily avoided by sticking with a simpler design on your passport holder or choosing one that you can wear on your person, such as around your neck and tucked away under your shirt.
How To Choose The Best Passport Holders
Ready to purchase a passport holder for your travels? There are a few things to keep in mind as you begin shopping that will ultimately help you select the right passport holder for your needs.
Consider Your Personal Style
Start by thinking about the type/style of passport holder that will best suit your sense of style and function. Do you care about the color? Do you want an appealing pattern or phrase printed on the cover of your passport holder? If these things matter to you, then this will at least slightly narrow down your options right off the bat. If you’re more concerned about function than appearance, this won’t matter quite as much.
Explore Different Sizes
The size of your passport holder matters for a few reasons. For starters, a larger passport holder will obviously be able to hold more of your personal items, but it will also take up more space in your luggage when packing. This is where it’s important to consider how much you need to your passport holder to carry (think about credit cards, cash, cell phone, etc.) and how much space you’re comfortable with it taking up.
Some prefer a smaller passport holder to carry the most basic essentials, whereas others (such as those traveling with their families) may need extra space for additional passports, credit cards, travel umbrellas and other documents.
Look For Quality Construction and Durability
Your passport holder will be your first line of defense against damage to your passport, so you’ll also want to look for durable and quality construction materials. Leather is a popular option for passport holders, though it can be more expensive. An affordable and practical option to consider is nylon, which is both lightweight and durable. It is also easy to clean, so you can keep your passport holder looking fresh for years to come. You may also want to consider looking for a passport holder that is made of a waterproof material for added protection—or that at least has a waterproof pocket available in which to store your passport.
The higher quality materials you choose for your passport holder, the more protected your passport will be and the less likely it’ll be that you need to replace your holder prematurely.
What About Storage Options and Features?
What else would you like to be able to store along with your passport? Make sure the passport holder you’re considering comes with additional storage compartments for these purposes. For example, you may want to find a passport holder that comes with slots to hold your photo ID and credit cards. A separate zipper pocket for cash or keys may also come in handy. If you do a lot of flying, consider a passport holder with a separate compartment to store your boarding pass. Many these days also come with a space to store your smartphone.
What about security features? For added protection, look for a passport holder that comes with RFID-blocking technology. Since most credit cards and passports these days contain RFID chips, this feature can protect your personal and financial information.
Brand Name vs. Generic
A brand name or designer passport holder may be flashy, but will cost you more and could draw more attention to pickpockets during your travels. For most, a generic passport holder will fit the bill just fine and save you money while being just as practical.
Look at Overall Value for the Money
Last but least, be sure to consider the overall value for your money when shopping for a passport holder. It is generally worth it to spend a little more money up-front on a passport holder that has all the features you need and that will last you for years to come. In choosing the right passport holder for your needs, you should not have to replace it for at least several years (if not a decade or more).
Overall, passport covers and passport holders can be a great travel accessory for those who need to go outside the country for any reason. In addition to providing convenient storage for your passport, these accessories can also offer added security and storage for travel documents, credit cards, and more.
With so many different luggage brands and styles of passport holders available, it can be difficult to know which is best for you. This is where it can be helpful to consider factors such as size, features, and style as you begin shopping. From there, you should be able to narrow down your list to a few practical options and ultimately make a decision on a passport holder that should last you for years (and countries) to come. Happy travels!
