Summer is slowly coming to an end, but millions of Brits may still be hoping to squeeze in one final holiday before autumn arrives. There are just over two weeks to go until September begins, while families across the country will soon be preparing for children to return to school after the summer break. For anyone planning a last-minute trip abroad, checking flights, accommodation and spending money will probably be near the top of the holiday checklist.
But travellers are also being warned to take a close look at one of the most important things they will carry with them before setting off. A problem that might appear insignificant at home could potentially cause serious trouble when passengers arrive at the airport. In some circumstances, travellers could even be refused boarding or face problems when they reach border control at their destination.
Experts at Booking.com have warned holidaymakers to check the condition of their passports carefully before travelling, as what looks like ordinary wear and tear may actually be considered damage.
The mistake passengers should look out for is travelling with a slightly torn or damaged passport, particularly if the photo page, machine-readable section or other important information has been affected.
A small bend or slightly worn cover will not necessarily cause problems, but more serious damage can leave travellers facing uncertainty over whether their document will be accepted.
Booking.com’s guidance says damage can include a compromised photo page, water damage that has warped pages or a machine-readable strip that has become smeared or damaged.
Torn or missing pages can also be a problem, as can damage that makes personal details difficult to read.
Scribbles or other unofficial markings on the data page may also leave a passport unusable.
Airlines can refuse to let someone travel if they believe their passport is not valid. Even if a passenger is allowed onto the aircraft, border officials at their destination have the final say over whether the document will be accepted.
This means a damaged passport could potentially leave someone facing a ruined holiday, additional costs or a return journey without being allowed into their destination.
However, not every sign of use means a passport needs replacing. According to the guidance, minor creases, a slightly worn cover and pages that have become loose while remaining intact can fall under normal wear and tear.
Holidaymakers should be particularly careful about trying to fix any damage themselves.
Booking.com warns: “Whatever the state of your passport, don’t attempt to repair it yourself. Any attempt at ‘repair,’ such as tape, glue, or staples, counts as tampering and makes the document legally invalid. A passport with attempted repairs is considered worse than a damaged one.”
Travellers are instead advised to inspect their passport well before their departure date rather than discovering a problem immediately before their flight.
Keeping the document protected can also reduce the risk of problems. The guidance recommends using a passport cover, keeping passports in waterproof storage during beach holidays and storing them in a safe place inside hand luggage.
People are also advised to keep passports away from children and pets and avoid carrying them in a back pocket, where repeated bending, sitting and perspiration could damage the pages.
A digital scan or photograph can also be kept securely as a backup, which could make the process easier if the passport is lost or damaged while abroad.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
