Well, I just received my first ever passport today in the mail! I have a question, however. I read that it's recommended to make a copy of a certain page to carry with you for extra precaution. My first question is "Which particular page?" I assume it's the one with the lovely picture and info on it, but do they also want the page with
your signature on it too? I made two copies on my home copier in color that include both pages, but if only the page with the picture is needed, I'll cut off the other.

My second question is "What purpose does the copy serve me when I'm on my cruise?" If for some reason I would lose my passport, would they consider my little copy of that page a valid substitute? Could someone tell me how a copy has been used on a cruise? Do you take the copy with you when you go off the ship and not your original passport?

You need a copy of the main information page, the one with the little picture on it, and you need copies of any entry visas you have. That's not an issue with you since the passport is brand new, but if for example you had a five year visa to visit Brazil and lost the passport....

The purpose of the copy is to make it a bit easier to get a new one. Instead of filling out a form trying to figure out when you got it, it's on the copy. The passport number is on the copy. It just makes the search for all that information a bit easier. It is not a valid substitute, but makes getting something that will serve as one, even if it's getting the copy authorized at a consulate, considerably easier.

On a cruise I usually never take my passport with me, indeed on some cruises the ship retains your passport until the voyage is over. Unless you are specifically told that you need to take your passport with you, take the copy and leave the passport in the safe in the room.

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