A passport is too damaged if there are significant tears, water damage, unofficial markings, missing pages, or any tampering, especially on the photo page or Machine Readable Zone (MRZ); even minor damage like small rips or stains can lead to travel denial, so it's best to replace any passport with damage beyond normal wear and tear to avoid issues at borders, as border agents can refuse entry based on suspicion of fraud.
it can't be identified as an Australian passport. the passport number is not readable. there are any major tears or damage to the photo page, stitching or visa pages. or the document has been tampered with or altered in any way.
If your passport is damaged you must replace it. You may not be able to travel with it.
Even minor passport damage can stop you from travelling. Damage that might require you to replace your passport includes water damage, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages or tears. Its important that: there are no tears or cuts in the pages, especially the photo page.
What makes a passport damaged? Normal "wear and tear" such as folded pages or a small bend do not count as damage. Damage includes stains from a liquid, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages (torn out), or a hole punch.
According to the Post Office, HM Passport Office classes a passport as damaged if: Details are indecipherable. The laminate has lifted enough to allow the possibility of photo substitution. There's discolouration of the bio-data page.
Your passport must be in good condition.
Passports damaged beyond normal wear and tear will not be accepted. If you're concerned about the condition of your passport, contact the Canadian Passport ProgramExternal site which may not meet accessibility guidelines and/or language preferences.
Replace your passport if there is: Water damage (including mold and stains) A significant tear. Unofficial markings on the data page.
Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing pages (torn out), a hole punch, or other injuries, especially if the damage affects the book cover or the page displaying your personal data and photo.
Damaged passport
There's discolouration of the bio-data page. There's chemical or ink spillage on any page. There are missing or detached pages. The chip or antenna shows through the end paper on the back cover for the new style e-passports.
If your dog chewed up your passport, your baby colored in it, or it went through the washing machine, get a new one! You could be denied entry and have to go home or somewhere else! Also when you are traveling to another country check out Travel.state.gov.
Minor edge wear is usually acceptable, but any torn or missing page means you should replace the passport before travelling.
A passport is considered 'damaged' if it has one of the following issues: Personal details are difficult or impossible to read. The laminate portion on the name page has been lifted so that it has the potential for a substitute photo to be inserted.
Following documents must be submitted along with the application:
Damaged Passport Examples
the laminate portion on your name page has lifted so that it has the potential for a substitute photo to be inserted. there are signs of fading or discolouration on the passport's name page. your passport is stained on any of its pages (e.g.. it has ink, makeup or chemical spills)
U.S. Passports that are damaged or in poor condition must be replaced, as they are no longer valid for travel.
The punching of the passport is a physical indication that it has been cancelled and is no longer valid for travel.
If your passport has experienced minor exposure, such as a few drops of water, it may still be usable. However, significant indicators that a passport is no longer valid include: Visible Water Damage: If your personal information page or visa pages are not clearly visible, then you need to replace your passport.
Apply for a new passport as soon as you can and complete a Statutory Declaration concerning a Lost, Stolen, Damaged, Destroyed or Inaccessible Canadian Passport or Travel Document form.
The first thing that you can do is visit a passport office. Many passport offices have RFID readers that can scan your passport and see if your chip is still intact. Another way that you can tell if your passport's chip is damaged is by looking at your passport.
Damaged Passport: A passport where the physical appearance or composition has been changed through ordinary wear or tear, carelessness, or by accidental happenstance (e.g., having been washed, torn, burned in a fire by the applicant or a third party, or mauled by an animal).
Bali, Vietnam, Qatar, Australia and the United States are all examples of locations with stringent rules when it comes to damaged passports. Loose or detached passport covers or bindings are a common reason for refusal, even if the inside of your passport is in pristine condition.
Technically a passport is the property of the issuing authority. If it gets lost or defaced,it needs to be replaced. If its been washed and doesn't look right,it may be rejected,either at checkin or on arrival. Safest bet is to replace it.