After seeing a news program where a man with less than $100 of electronic equipment was able to walk through an airport and electronically steal all the information from travelers credit cards and passports just by walking near them (he never touched them in any way) I thought I need to do something to protect my self not just when traveling, but anywhere, so I bought this item. It has lots of room for your passport and ALSO credit cards. Now-a-days you can't be too safe. It's an inexpensive way to keep you identity sescure.