Damaged passport? What counts, and whether you can still fly on it

Trek Guide Water damage, torn or missing pages and loose covers can get you refused at check-in. Folded pages do not. How to tell, and how to replace it before… By Bishnu Adhikari · Sep 27, 2026 Read the full story

A passport with water damage, torn or missing pages, a loose cover or unreadable details can be refused by the airline at check-in and by border officers on arrival, and the US and UK passport offices both tell you to replace it rather than travel on it… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

What counts as a damaged passport

Official definitions agree on the core: anything that makes the passport unreadable, incomplete or possibly tampered with is damage; ordinary wear is not. Here is how three passport offices draw the line. "Unofficial markings" catches people out. A child's… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Can an airline refuse to let you board

Yes: airlines can deny boarding when you do not have valid travel documents, and a passport that looks damaged can fail that test. The UK Civil Aviation Authority lists inadequate travel documentation among the reasonable grounds for denying boarding, with… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

How to replace a damaged passport before a trip

In the US, apply in person with Form DS-11, include a signed statement explaining the damage, and hand over the damaged passport; in the UK, apply for a replacement online for &pound;102 or on paper for &pound;115.50. A damaged US passport does not qualify… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

If your passport gets damaged abroad

Contact your country's nearest embassy or consulate before you try to fly, because a replacement or emergency document is far quicker to arrange than a refused boarding. US embassies and consulates can issue emergency passports, the UK issues emergency travel… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Keep reading

The validity trap that gets travellers refused at the gate. US and UK urgent routes and processing times. Fees, forms and what to expect at Kathmandu airport. Four travel authorisations that stand between you and a flight. Sources: US Department of State… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

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