There are many reasons people worry when travelling – but there’s one thing that could stop your travels that you probably haven’t thought about.
While we all spend time stressing about luggage allowance and what liquids are allowed, we don’t pay as much attention to the state of our passports.
Thousands of holidaymakers face issues at airports each year due to damaged passports. This can lead to travel disruptions, not fly being allowed to fly and financial losses.
Damage can include tears, rips or even marks, as was the case with a woman who lost out on a trip to Mexico due to the condition of her passport.
Laila March was denied entry by TUI in June. She couldn’t board the plane because her passport had a small scratch on – despite using it to fly back from Morocco the day before.
The checks or denials happen to ensure passports are legit and haven’t been falsified or tampered with in any way.
‘A passport is your gateway to the world, and even a little damage can result in complications at airport check-in desks,’ warns Gavin Lapidus, director at travel consultants eShores.
If airport security is concerned about the validity of your passport, you may be held at the airport for further questioning – even if you’ve already landed at your destination.
‘Most passports last ten years, during which they can expect some wear and tear. When travelling, your passport is checked for damage, tampering, and validity, with damaged documents facing rejection, putting an end to your holiday,’ Gavin says.
While minor scuffs and bent pages are generally acceptable, Gavin recommends replacing your passport if there is any significant damage to avoid problems.
The following tips on what to look out for with damaged passports are designed to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.
1. Water-damage
Be careful where you’re putting your passport down, especially around liquids – passports with ‘significant water damage’ are often deemed invalid for travel.
While things can easily get splashed on, if any vital information is obscured by stains you could be denied. Be also wary if any water damage has caused the laminate to lift up; this could be a false warning sign for authorities that the photo has been changed.
2. Rips, tears and holes
A common misconception is that as long as all the information on your passport is present, visible and legible, it is acceptable for travel – but this isn’t true.
Holes and cuts are usually used to cancel old passports, so current passports with them are often denied. If the chip on the passport can be seen from the back cover, this can also lead to rejection.
3. Loose cover
Even if the inside of your passport is pristine, a loose or even completely detached passport cover can lead to you being refused access.
Whilst it can be fiddly to take your passport out of them to present them to authorities, the best way to protect covers is to get a case or cover.
3. Novelty travel stamps aren’t worth it
Many tourist destinations and famous landmarks sell unofficial or novelty passport stamps.
However, if you place these on or inside your passport, it could lead to it being rejected as they’re not officially recognised.
4. Don’t push your luck
Just because your damaged passport has been accepted before, doesn’t mean it will be this time. Certain countries and airports may have stricter regulations for the condition of your passport.
Bali, Vietnam, Qatar, Australia and the United States, for example, all have very stringent rules when it comes to damaged passports. You also could just get a stricter staff member.
At the end of the day, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and best to replace your passport.
You don’t want to risk it and miss out on a dream getaway because of a scrappy-looking passport.
You can find details on passport validity on the government’s website.
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