Passport - laminate - classed as damaged?

[Deleted User]

Does anyone know if the laminate on the personal details page that has started to lift slightly around the edges would be classed as damaged? Or would that just be general wear and tear? 

eDicky

If only slight then I wouldn't classify it as damaged or be concerned about using it, although it may affect your speed of passage through immigration on arrival in certain countries with strict checks, where it might be taken as a sign of possible tampering.

On arrival once at YVR (Vancouver BC) I was told afterwards that a slight lifting of the laminate, which I hadn't noticed, was one reason for my being pulled in for complete examination. (Another reason was my ticket having been purchased with cash in Bangkok.) I continued using the passport for some years without further ado.

[Deleted User]

I should of said, it’s actually expired now, I’m looking to renew, wondered if it would cause issues? Like would they think I’d tried to tamper with it. 

It’s mainly lifting around the edges, only tiny bits, nothing huge, photo is in tact, all information is visible and your able to see and read everything. 

smudge56

Yes. The laminate lifted is classed as damaged. If you are renewing it just write a statement saying how it got damaged ie through use/wear and tear and chose replacement as the service type.

[Deleted User]

smudge56 said:

Yes. The laminate lifted is classed as damaged. If you are renewing it just write a statement saying how it got damaged ie through use/wear and tear and chose replacement as the service type.

It hasn’t lifted though, as I wrote, it’s starting to come away on the edge at 2 places, big difference to it coming away fully. 

Plus, the reason I’m renewing is because it’s expired, not because of wear and tear or damage. 

eDicky

smudge56 said:

chose replacement as the service type.

Is that a more durable edition? How do you choose it..?

smudge56

eDicky said:

smudge56 said:

chose replacement as the service type.

Is that a more durable edition? How do you choose it..?

I’m thinking of the paper form on the first page. It has a choice of first time, renewal or replacement   The online is more straightforward and ask questions as you go. Eg is it lost or stolen. Is it damaged?   However you answer these questions will determine whether it’s a renewal or replacement.  If damaged is not chosen it won’t ask what caused the damaged and that will cause delays as the customer will have to be contacted to find out 

[Deleted User]

Yeah but if you have to choose between first time, renewal, or replacement, then it’s a renewal in my case as it’s expired. 

You would only select damaged I’m guessing if it’s truly damaged. In my case, I was asking if two minor edge peelings would classify it as damaged or not. 

From here, another forum and friends, it seems not. 

The guidance says it’s classed as damaged if the laminate is lifted up enough to interfere with the photo, surely 2 edges peeling slightly doesn’t constitute that? 

smudge56

If any of the data page is has any damage or marks on it it is considered damaged. If you don’t give the reason for it you will just delay your application 
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1007326/Damaged_British_passports_-_V3_.pdf#page4

[Deleted User]

All I can say is - “damaged, 2 areas of the side of the lamination starting to lift, due to wear and tear”. 

It’s still not fully clear cut because it says damage can include laminate peeling or lifting but then also says signs of normal wear and tear include laminate is secure. 

Well it is secure, it’s 2 minor edges starting to peel. That to me contradicts. 

I’m going to ring tomorrow for clarification. 

smudge56

That’s all you have to say.  The link I posted is the guidance that the examiners follow. I wouldn’t bother ringing them. They are really busy at the moment and you could be holding for hours. Remember to allow for 10 weeks to receive it. There has been a surge in applications and not all the staff are back in the office working