Passport damage, do I need to replace?

Jen2326

If I were you I would certainly get it replaced. The airline will either refuse you out right or accept you for travel provided you sign an indemnity form, which will then leave you with all the fines and the responsibility of getting yourself back home if you are refused. If the picture page is damaged then you will struggle to have it accepted. If you decided to risk it then I would recommend that you purchase a passport holder, this way when you get it checked in Madrid it wont be so obvious that it is damaged.
Jen

jammin_2

M.Holloway wrote: »

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

Consider getting a National ID card instead. Only £30 and fits in your wallet, like a credit card. Travel throughout the EU passport-free.

http://idsmart.direct.gov.uk/index.html

jackieblack

jammin wrote: »

Consider getting a National ID card instead. Only £30 and fits in your wallet, like a credit card. Travel throughout the EU passport-free.

http://idsmart.direct.gov.uk/index.html

But only available if you're in the north-west or aged 16-24 in London

jammin_2

jackieblack wrote: »

But only available if you're in the north-west or aged 16-24 in London

Not any more.

To be eligible to apply for a National ID card, you must hold a UK passport that was valid on or after 1st January 2009, be a British citizen, aged 16 or over, reside in the UK and either

a) live or work in North West England within the eligible postcodes or
b) be aged 16-24 and live in London within the eligible postcodes or
c) be registered for IPS newsletter updates. (Click here to register).

http://idsmart.direct.gov.uk/who-can-get-the-card.html

spiro

Jen2326 wrote: »

If I were you I would certainly get it replaced. The airline will either refuse you out right or accept you for travel provided you sign an indemnity form, which will then leave you with all the fines and the responsibility of getting yourself back home if you are refused. If the picture page is damaged then you will struggle to have it accepted. If you decided to risk it then I would recommend that you purchase a passport holder, this way when you get it checked in Madrid it wont be so obvious that it is damaged.Jen

When I went to Spain recently the Spanish were scanning every passport which meant taking it out of the cover. I suspect this was as a result of the attempted attach it Christmas. Travelling Dover/Calais recently the French did this on both sides of channel.

Given that the pages are about 3.5" x 6" and you say 1" has come away I would not chance trying to use it. It depends if you can afford for your trip to be cancelled when you turn up at the airport and they refuse you.

Janeyjaz

As Jammin points out - an ID card allows travel in Europe for ten years for a fee of £30, you need to register on the website and then ring for an appointment as you need to have your biometrics taken. Customer Centres are in Manchester, Liverpool, Blackburn and London - the website is direct gov and for me my passport expires in 2015 and my card is valid until 2020 for £30, I only travel to Europe so I think it's a bargain.

will-in-estoril

M.Holloway wrote: »

My UK passport is seriously crumpled...
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...

The decision to accept your document on the day of travel is one exclusively for the carrier, not IPS, not the UKBA. Their judgement is based on whether or not the authorities of the country to which you are travelling will in turn accept it. If they do not, the carrier can face penalties under the country's equivalent of Carriers Liability legislation. European legislation guarantees freedom of movement of EEA nationals, but of course to show you are an EEA national you need a valid EEA document!!

The IPS advice is spot on, although to put your mind at ease take the document to the airport and speak to the airline's supervisor.

I hold an ID card, which is good for EEA travel, but you would require an appointment (assuming you meet the eligibility criteria.) Dispatch of the card is amazingly quick, by courier.

You are obviously concerned, so that a trip to the airport would allay your fears.

luci

I would check with the airline before relying on an ID card. I know that Thomson's don't accept them and require a passport.

will-in-estoril

luci wrote: »

I would check with the airline before relying on an ID card. I know that Thomson's don't accept them and require a passport.

Right and wrong! All carriers have been informed about the new ID cards. The problem is that some of their handling agents have not come across them (especially in the south) and make incorrect statements which ultimately cause embarrassment to the company - and inconvenience to the passenger.

The new UK ID card is a legal document, good for intra EEA travel, as long as you are a British Citizen.

jammin_2

luci wrote: »

I would check with the airline before relying on an ID card. I know that Thomson's don't accept them and require a passport.

Really? I feel a lawsuit coming on..