Holidaymakers 'should keep passports safe'

Brits jetting off on holiday to Spain and other popular destinations this year have been urged to keep their passports safe.

Research carried out by Holiday Extras revealed that two per cent of people have had their passport stolen when abroad, while a further two per cent have lost it themselves.

Of those polled, fewer than half said they have a photocopy of their document, while just three per cent know their passport number.

"If your passport falls into the wrong hands it could not only be sold on the black market, but the details could be used for identity theft," Holiday Extras managing editor Mike Whiting warned.

He reminded holidaymakers that it can cost approximately £70 to get a replacement.

The Identity and Passport Service advises holidaymakers to make two copies of their document.

Research published last month by Sainsbury's Bank revealed that an increasing number of people are booking last-minute breaks to Spain and other popular overseas destinations.

Posted by Emily Sanders