A passport is a federal document. It is used as identification
for any individual traveling in or out of a country. This is why the
document must be free from any damage such as tearing, watermarks, or
discoloration. If an immigration of customs official cannot view your
document in its intended capacity then it could lead to major problems.
This is why it is necessary to replace a damaged passport.
Protection
Passports
are very important federal documents. It is important that they are
protected properly in order to maintain their integrity as well as keep
them from theft. Many people keep passports with other important
documents such as birth certificates and bonds, some even put them in
safe deposit boxes until their needed.
Importance
Passports
are used to grant admittance into foreign countries as well as
re-admittance into the country of origin. If a passport is lost, stolen,
or even damaged this can make traveling very difficult. When entering a
foreign country your passport is scrutinized and scanned. If there is
any damage on the passport this cannot be done, and my inhibit entry
into or out of a country.
Fake Passports
Just
like there are fake IDs to allow those under 21 into bars, there are
also fake passports. Because passports allow someone the ability to
enter or leave a country, they're often stolen or forged.
Officials are
trained to find forgeries, which may include looking for small
inconsistencies within the passport. These may include discolorations,
tears, mislabelling. These are all issues that can arise if a passport
is damaged as well. Attempting to offer a damaged passport is risky, and
may be more trouble than getting a replacement.
Play It Safe
It
is better to play it safe and get a replacement passport rather than
risk traveling on a damaged one.
Some countries may allow admittance
with a damaged passport, but others may not. You may end up stuck in a
foreign country until proper documents arrive. Why not save yourself the
hassle and get a replacement.
Damage Abroad
If
a passport is damaged while traveling it is important to get it taken
care of right away. Say, your passport falls into the water on gondola
ride in Italy, or some homemade Greek wine is spilled on it Athens, then
your passport is damaged. When damage or loss occurs reports it as soon
as possible and go through the necessary procedures to obtain a new
one. This way your travel will not be inhibited and you will not be
caught with damaged improper documents.
So whether your passport has a tear in it, is watermarked, or
went through the washing machine it is essential to get a replacement
for your damaged passport.
Replacement passports are easy to get as long as the damage is reported
and all documentation is filled out correctly, no matter where you are,
you should get your replacement in the timeframe in which you need it
by. Depending on the dates on your passport you may be able to apply for
a passport renewal. Be sure to ask a passport service agent what your best option is regarding your damaged passport.
