Travelling with a Damaged Passport — What HM Passport Office Considers Acceptable

Not sure if your passport is too damaged to travel with? Airlines and border control officers can refuse you entry if your passport isn’t in good condition. Here’s what HM Passport Office says about damage, what’s acceptable, and when you’ll need to replace your passport urgently.

What Counts as Passport Damage?

HM Passport Office considers a passport damaged if any of the following apply:

• The photo or personal details are unreadable
• The cover or inside pages are torn, detached, or heavily marked
• The chip is missing or doesn’t work
• The laminate covering the photo is peeling or lifting
• The passport has water damage (even slight warping can be an issue)
• The passport has been chewed or otherwise defaced

What’s Acceptable Wear and Tear?

Normal use over 10 years will naturally show some wear, which usually isn’t a problem. Examples of acceptable wear include:

• Slight fading of the cover
• Minor scuffs or scratches
• Creasing that doesn’t obscure any details
• Stamps and visas from travel

The rule of thumb is: if all details are clear, the passport closes properly, and nothing looks suspicious or tampered with, it’s likely acceptable.

Can You Still Travel with a Damaged Passport?

Even if HM Passport Office might technically accept your passport, the final decision is often made by the airline or border official. If they think your passport is damaged, they can refuse boarding or entry.

That’s why it’s risky to travel with any passport that could be considered damaged.

What To Do If Your Passport Is Damaged

If there’s any doubt, it’s safest to replace your passport urgently. For UK travellers, the fastest options are:

• 1-Week Fast Track: For adults and children — book an appointment, attend (or we attend with consent), and the passport is delivered by courier within about 7 days.
• Same-Day Premium: Adults renewing passports only — not available for children or damaged passports classed as replacements.

How NextDay Passport Can Help

• We check if your passport is likely to be considered damaged under HMPO rules.
• We book the earliest possible urgent appointment on your behalf.
• We can attend the appointment for you with a signed consent letter.
• We track your new passport until it arrives safely by courier.

Message us on WhatsApp: 07443 165140 or visit nextdaypassport.co.uk to get started today.

Quick Checklist

• If the photo page is damaged → replace immediately
• If the chip doesn’t work → replace immediately
• Minor scratches or scuffs → usually fine
• If in doubt → book a Fast Track appointment

FAQs

What if my passport got wet but dried out?
Even dried water damage can cause warping and be flagged as suspicious. Safer to replace.

Can I tape or repair my passport?
No — any attempts to repair (glue, tape, lamination) make it invalid.

Will I get a refund if I’m refused travel?
Airlines won’t refund for a damaged passport. Always replace it before travelling if you’re unsure.

Think your passport might be damaged? Don’t risk being turned away at the airport. Contact us today via WhatsApp: 07443 165140 or visit nextdaypassport.co.uk for urgent help.