Passport damage, do I need to replace?

M.Holloway

My UK passport is seriously crumpled (could fix with a heavy book+time) and about one inch of the corner of the picture page has peeled off the plastic.

It's one of the new style passports and I'm certain that the chip in the back will still work.

However I've heard that damaged passports can be refused at the airport...

Should I send it off for replacement given that I'm going to Madrid next week...

winnie81

If the photo is anyway damaged I would say you'd need a new one or they'd say it could've been tampered with and if your flying next week I'd be calling for a one day passport service :eek:

I am sure someone who knows more than me will let you know for sure but I would definately call the passport agency for advice though

Boozer

Get a new one ASAP, my dad went swimming with his one, he did his best to make it nice and he managed to talk his way through the UK airport but they said he may get refused in Portugal on arrival, he did not get refused but it made for a very uncomfortable flight for him.

delwynshd

if the photo is alright you will be fine

if its the corner of the page its ok mines like that

Sammy85_2

If the photo page is in anyway damaged most airlines will not allow you to fly, because if you get turned back at your destination airport then they get a heafty fine.

Get a new one, dont risk ruining a trip for the sake of a few quid.

McKneff

Its really not worth the risk of being turned away at the airport,

I would replaceit asap.

Mr_Lahey

M.Holloway wrote: »

My UK passport is seriously crumpled (could fix with a heavy book+time) and about one inch of the corner of the picture page has peeled off the plastic.

It's one of the new style passports and I'm certain that the chip in the back will still work.

However I've heard that damaged passports can be refused at the airport...

Should I send it off for replacement given that I'm going to Madrid next week...

Mine was the same, never got so much as questioned. (And was an old style pp)

In fact mine was so used it didn't even say anything on the outside of the passport since it had all come off.
I wouldn't worry about it.

Janeyjaz

You need to replace it -

M.Holloway

Hmm 50/50

Can anyone who has said I need to replace it point me to an article?

winnie81

This help was the first google article?

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Passports/Loststolenordamagedpassports/DG_174163

I am sure google will confirm somewhere for certain or you could just call the passport agency on 0300 222 0000 and ask there advice? You can chance it and possibly be OK or you could not? We can't say for sure here but its not a risk I'd personally take as I wouldn't want to be refused entry after flying.

Claire

Sammy85_2

M.Holloway wrote: »

Hmm 50/50

Can anyone who has said I need to replace it point me to an article?

The problem isnt at this end, its the risk of you being denied entry at your destination... your airline will be fined and it is possible that a record of your denied entry will be held on file and you may encounter delays on entering that country in the future as you will flag up every time.

The question is whether it is wear and tear. If it is looking a bit battered then you should be fine, but if the photograph page is peeling apart and hense the photo could have been tampered with then you will most likely be denied entry.

I did see this happen to someone on an episode of Airline/Airport not so long ago. Its just too much of a (costly) risk for the Airlines to take.

From Direct.gov.uk

What to do about a damaged passport

You do not need to report a damaged passport, but if your passport is damaged beyond reasonable wear and tear, some airlines may not let you travel. For this reason IPS recommends that you apply for a replacement as soon as possible.
You will need to send the damaged passport to IPS when you apply for a replacement. IPS will return it once they have established your identity and confirmed that the damage is not due to fraudulent tampering. 'Fraudulent tampering' means someone trying to change the identity details or photo on a passport, for example, to use it illegally.