Can you travel with a damaged passport?

It’s generally not advisable to travel with a damaged passport because even minor damage can lead to issues at border control. Whether or not you’ll be allowed to travel depends on the type and extent of the damage, as well as the country you’re entering or departing from. Here’s a breakdown of potential issues:

1. Minor Damage: If there’s slight wear and tear—like a small bend, some scuffs, or a few water spots—some countries may still accept it. However, it’s ultimately up to the discretion of border officers, who may decide not to accept it.
2. Significant Damage: If there’s more serious damage, such as torn pages, a damaged cover, unreadable information, or water damage obscuring security features, it’s likely you won’t be able to use it for travel.
3. Damaged Chip (ePassport): If your passport has a chip (for biometric passports) and it’s damaged, you may face problems at automated e-gates and with immigration officials who require a machine-readable passport.

To avoid any issues, consider getting a replacement passport before you travel if there’s any noticeable damage. If you’re already close to your travel date, some countries offer expedited services for a replacement.

The website to apply or renew passports is:  www.travel.state.gov