How to Protect Your RFID Enabled Passport Memphis TN

Since 2006, the United States has started issuing passports with an RFID chip in them. European and select other countries had them longer. The problem is that your personal data can get read from your passport at a distance, without anyone ever opening, touching, or even coming close to your passport.

Local Companies

Travelennium Inc. American Express
901.762.7040
556 Colonial Road
Memphis, TN
Yellow Cab Company & Premier Transportation Services, Inc.
(901) 577-7777
581 South Second Street
Memphis, TN
Cresent Unlimited
901-281-7099
P.O. Box 70713
Memphis, TN
Travel Leaders Travel & Cruises
901-853-6200
305 New Byhalia Rd. Ste. 102
Collierville, TN
Carlson Corporate Business Center-Carlson Wagonlit Travel Garner
(901) 761-1708
492 Perkins Ext
Memphis, TN
Bank of Bartlett
(901) 373-5400
Memphis, TN
Laws Joyce Trvl Agcy
(901) 761-5040
Memphis, TN
Majestic Travel
(901) 737-0277
7846 Kenwick Way
Memphis, TN
Regency Travel & International Market
(901) 682-9065
397 Perkins Ext
Memphis, TN
Elite Travel Services
(901) 818-0090
265 S Main St
Memphis, TN

Provided By:

Steps

  1. Determine if your passport has an RFID chip in it. If on the cover there is a rectangle with a circle and a line through it, then it definitely contains an RFID chip and can be read from a distance.
  2. Decide if you want to merely be passively cautious, actively protect your data, or permanently disable the RFID chip in your passport.
  3. If you want to be cautious:
    • The passport cover will provide some shielding to the RFID chip inside. However, it does no good if it is open.
    • If you carry your passport around loosely in your purse, make sure you store it so that it is closed. Even a slightly opened passport increases the ability to have its chip read.
    • When carrying your passport in your pocket, make sure it is closed
  4. If you want to actively protect our data:
    • Get a shielded case for your passport and use it actively whenever you travel with your passport
    • Alternatively, you can wrap your passport in aluminum foil. This works just fine, but is not convenient and quite unsightly
  5. If you want to disable it permanently:
    • Microwave your passport for a couple seconds - this will fry the chip.
    • If you can determine exactly where the chip is, a sharp blow of a hammer will disable it

Tips

  • RFID Shielding Products:
  • http://www.emvelope.com/products/show/7
  • http://www.rfid-shield.com/
  • http://www.magellans.com/store/New_Products___Fall_2008___Travel_EssentialsLB192?Args=
  • http://www.passport-stronghold.com/products.html

Warnings

  • Physically damaging your passport is probably against the law of the country that issued it. While it will be close to impossible to determine whether or not you intentionally defaced your passport, you should bear this in mind.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Protect Your RFID Enabled Passport. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Featured Local Company

Travelennium Inc. American Express

901.762.7040
556 Colonial Road
Memphis, TN
www.travelennium.com

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