Water and tear damage
Water and tear damage should be reviewed against the traveler’s document, nationality, route, visa category and current official instructions. Keep evidence and copies where appropriate.
Travel document guide
Damaged Passport Travel Risks
Identify physical damage that can cause airline or border refusal.
How to use this guidance
This guide explains the practical checks travelers should make before relying on a passport or travel document. Final acceptance remains itinerary- and authority-specific.
Detached covers
Detached covers should be reviewed against the traveler’s document, nationality, route, visa category and current official instructions. Keep evidence and copies where appropriate.
Machine-readable zone
Machine-readable zone should be reviewed against the traveler’s document, nationality, route, visa category and current official instructions. Keep evidence and copies where appropriate.
Chip and laminate
Chip and laminate should be reviewed against the traveler’s document, nationality, route, visa category and current official instructions. Keep evidence and copies where appropriate.
Replacement decisions
Replacement decisions should be reviewed against the traveler’s document, nationality, route, visa category and current official instructions. Keep evidence and copies where appropriate.
Verification workflow
- Inspect the passport or travel document and record the exact identifying details.
- Check the destination authority and every transit country.
- Confirm the visa or authorization is linked to the same document.
- Ask the airline to verify unusual document types before departure.
- Carry printed and offline evidence of approvals and official correspondence.
Do not rely on a generic six-month or two-page rule when the itinerary involves an emergency, refugee, diplomatic or recently renewed document.
Related resources
Editorial notice
Reviewed 2026-08-05. Verify final requirements with the issuing passport authority, destination immigration authority and airline.