Passport Damage and You!

There’s a certain level of damage that governments will allow of your passport, before being instructed to apply for renewal. You know, the stuff that occurs from normal handling and use.

Let’s start with the good news:

If the rim of your passport is torn or fraying, no worries!

Government agencies take into account that your passport is regularly tossed around, as well as pulled out of some tight spots. Think of all of the frantic airport workers and flyers, alike, dropping, squeezing, and scanning the documents ad infinitum.

Of course, some countries’ rules are tighter than others and in the end, the final decision about whether or not your passport has sustained too much damaged is simply up to the attendant/government agency representative.

Additionally, some airlines may refuse to allow you on board if your passport is just too beat up. As with everything related to travel, It’s better to air on the side of caution. Long story short, keep an eye on your passport’s and save yourself some unneeded hassle.

As you might have imagined, if your document is seriously damaged, or the page containing your identification has sustained too much damage and  therefore cannot be swiped by the authorities, you will sadly need to replace that bad boy.

Here’s some “no brainer” examples of damage to your precious passports:

  • Ripped or compromised cover
  • Water damage
  • Mold damage
  • Chew/bite marks from animals or humans
  • Missing pages
  • Fraying pages
  • Out of place, unidentified marks
  • A tear in a page
  • Loose hanging pages
     

Be sure to message us at ePassportPhoto to get quick guidance from our representatives!