How to tell if your passport is water damaged? This is the first question you will ask yourself if you accidentally spill water on your passport.
Damaged Passport
Passports allow us to travel the world, visiting and even residing in various countries. However, there are several regulations to traveling with a passport, one of which is that your passport should not be too damaged.
If you are unsure if your passport is damaged, examine the book cover and the page containing your personal information and a picture of yourself. Water damage, a substantial rip, tears, torn out or missing visa pages, and unapproved marks are further evidence of damage.
Other types of damage are:
Indecipherable details, the lamination has been removed, implying that the photo has been swapped—pages that are missing, detached, or on the edge of falling free.
If you see typical wear and tear, such as the fanning of pages or the bend of the passport, your passport may not be damaged.
Can I Travel Using My Damaged Passport?
Damaged passports are invalid, making it more difficult to leave the country or visit another. Why can’t we travel with a damaged passport, and what happens if we do?
When it comes to travel, a passport’s primary function is to assist border authorities in identifying us when we enter another country. Your passport must not be damaged too severely since it is a vital legal document determining the traveler.
It must display all your information and photographs and a legitimately issued passport.
If you choose to travel with a damaged passport, you may find yourself stuck at a border and unable to enter the country of your choosing. The scenario can become complicated. It is far simpler to avoid this problem than to deal with it.
There is also the potential to be arrested in a foreign country or be automatically deported. This is why having a passport in excellent shape is essential.
How To Know If Your Passport Is Water Damaged?
We can tell that the passport is water damaged if the bio-data page is discolored. Those with substantial water damage anywhere in the passport book, such as a chemical or ink spillage, must be returned to the United States Department of State to issue a new passport.
You must also attach a passport application. The US Department of State allows the use of passports with minor watermarks since these passports are not deemed damaged.
How To Replace A United States Damaged Passport
The procedure for replacing a damaged passport is determined by the national passport issuing office in your country of citizenship. Some countries enable you to apply for your new document online, while others require you to apply in person at a service center.
You have two options if you need to replace your damaged passport:
1. Apply for a brand-new passport
If your passport is damaged, unreadable, or deformed, you must apply for a completely new passport. If you select this option, you will apply for a passport the same way a first-time applicant would.
It would be best to execute your passport acceptance at your local post office or country/city clerk. Include your damaged passport as well as another form of evidence of citizenship.
Along with your other documents, you should strongly consider submitting a statement. Include a damage statement guarantee that you have covered all of your bases.
2. Passport renewal for a damaged passport
If your passport has somewhat more damage than typical wear and tear but is otherwise in good shape, you must apply in person by attending a pre-scheduled appointment.
If you need to replace a minor’s passport, both parents’ information must be included on the application form. Parents must accompany the minor to seek a replacement in person
When the damage happens, you must go to the nearest US embassy to begin the replacement procedure if you are abroad. If you need to speed up the process, you’ll have to pay even more to acquire your passport faster.
How To Keep Your Passport Damaged Free
If you travel regularly, your passport is more likely to be damaged. Invest in a passport case to secure it from spills and tears in your baggage.
If you like to always keep your passport on you, but you are going to a place known for severe weather, prepare precise, colored duplicates of your passport to keep with you instead of bringing the original passport.
This will secure your valuable travel document, but it will also provide you with something to aid you if your passport is stolen or lost during your journey.
You may prevent the damaged-passport disaster by reviewing your passport well before overseas travel. If you do uncover an issue, you will be able to obtain a replacement passport without any time constraints or additional fees.
If you are putting your passport on your desk or cabinet, there is a possibility that your passport will be damaged, especially if your desk or cabinet is water damaged. Read the following article on how to fix desk with water damage and how to treat water damaged cabinets at home to prevent damaging your things and your passport.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned how to tell if your passport is water damaged, check your passport to determine whether it is minorly damaged or needs to be replaced. The application procedure is time-consuming.
The greatest thing you can do right now is examine your passport for any damage frequently.