Everyone knows that the main requirement for traveling abroad is the possession of a passport, and many know that many destinations require a passport to be valid for at least 6 months (if you have one). If you haven’t, there’s a warning below!). But did you know that your passport also has to be in pretty good condition? Damage can invalidate your passport and end your long-awaited vacation early. Here’s everything you need to know about passport damage to avoid any problems on your next trip abroad.
Types of passport damage
Damaged passport.
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There are two main types of passport damage: normal wear and tear and genuine damage, but the line between them can be blurred and the final decision lies with the airline employee or immigration officer. Regardless, it is up to the individual inspecting the passport.
“In most cases, wear and tear is not a problem,” says William Lee, a travel agent with Chima Travel. “However, if your passport is damaged in any way, the airline or country may deny you entry.”
Here’s what you need to know about the two main types of injuries.
normal wear and tear
The U.S. State Department states that “normal ‘wear and tear’ such as folded pages or small bends do not count as damage.” Of course, the U.S. State Department isn’t the only one checking your passport. Immigration officials in other countries may have stricter definitions of “normal wear and tear,” but in general, slight fading, fraying, or bending is not a problem. If you are unsure whether damage to your passport is considered normal wear and tear, play it safe and get a new passport.
damage
The State Department considers significant damage to be “liquid stains, large tears, unofficial markings on data pages, missing visa pages (tears), or punch holes.” The data pages (the ones with pictures) are usually the most important. However, if there is significant damage anywhere on your passport, you may run into problems.
Note: Novelty passport stamps, such as those you get at Machu Picchu in Peru or Port Lockroy in Antarctica, are also considered “damaged” and can invalidate your passport. If you look at page 5 of a U.S. passport, it says, “Only authorized U.S. or foreign officials may stamp, annotate, or add to this passport.” Not all airlines or immigration officials will ask for a novelty stamp, but it’s not worth the risk. So instead of putting a novelty stamp on your passport, stamp it on a separate piece of paper or a small notebook page.
“‘Damage’ on a passport can mean many things, but in reality, even minor damage to a passport can make it difficult to travel,” Lee says. “It is essential that the passport photo and data pages are intact. If these elements of the passport are damaged, the passport cannot be used for travel,” says Lee.
There are no strict rules followed worldwide, so it’s best to replace any passport that is slightly damaged before traveling. No one wants to be sent home halfway around the world because their passport is damaged.
Travelers with damaged passports
If you travel with a damaged passport, your fate is in the hands of the officials who inspect it. “Technically, you can still travel with a passport with some damage, but it’s dangerous. Airlines and immigration authorities may deny you boarding or entry if they deem the damage to be significant. ” said Duncan Greenfield-Turk, chief travel designer for Global Travel Moments, an affiliate of Global Travel Collection. Again, we recommend replacing damaged passports before traveling.
What to do if your passport is damaged
If your passport is damaged before your trip, we recommend replacing it as soon as possible. Many U.S. passports can now be renewed online, but damaged passports are not eligible for this service. In fact, you can’t even renew your passport by mail if it’s damaged. Instead, you will need to apply for a completely new passport. According to the State Department, you must submit a damaged passport, “a signed statement explaining the damaged or mutilated condition of the passport book and/or card,” and Form DS-11.
Please note that if a valid passport is damaged (or lost) due to a major disaster, the State Department may waive all fees associated with replacing the passport. However, even if your passport has expired at the time of the disaster, you will still have to pay the fee. A list of eligible disasters can be found on the State Department’s website. As for the process, you will need to complete and submit Form DS-5504 (Passport Replacement Form) and Form DS-64 (Lost and Stolen Passport Form).
Now, if you were abroad when the damage occurred, the situation is completely different. “If your passport is damaged while abroad, go to your nearest embassy or consulate and apply for an emergency passport. This will allow you to return home, but may not allow you access to other countries. ” says Greenfield-Turk.
How to prevent passport damage
Store your passport wisely, both at home and while traveling. “Luckily, there are a lot of passport protectors out there. Amazon has a lot to choose from,” says Lee. “Other than that, best practice is to store your passport in a place where it won’t be damaged by water, ripped, torn, or bent.”
