Repairing a passport ?

butterball

Hi.. I was wondering is there are any issues with repairing my very worn out passport (EU Germany) ? The spine is weakening and the cloth purple covering is fraying.. I sense it's time to do something now before it breaks apart.. (I'd like to keep it rather than get a new one..

I know there are 'legal' implications with altering documents like this and I don't want to end up with problems traveling around India or Europe..

Nick-H

Unfortunately it indicates that you are a terrorist who molest small children, and you will arrested on sight.

But seriously... I have heard of people having problems because their passport has become worn, eg the lamination has started to lift and they then suspect maybe the photo was changed. I've seen immigration guys at Heathrow looking at passports with a magnifying glass.

You usually get to keep the old one as a souvenir when you get a new one.

butterball

I was thinking just more a length of clear sticky tape on the outside along the spine... ?

I have a lot of traveling to do in the next few weeks and replacing the existing one will take a while as it gets sent from London to Germany...

Haylo

If there is any chance that it would end up appearing as if the the passport has been put together from different pages, I would be very wary of doing this.

Would it be enough to protect it, for example between a couple of pieces of stiff card or in a book, to prevent it getting any worse?

steven_ber

If it's the kind with an actual photo stuck inside (instead of the newer ones where the photo is part of the page), you'll have no end of problems.

If they think the passport has been tampered with, they may think the photo has been replaced.

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butterball

I guess I could look around for a passport wallet..

It's the newer kind and the plastic laminate photo part is still perfect..

Nick-H

Passport wallet sounds like a good idea then.

Mickey S

A worn-out passport is still a valid travel document, and it will be recognised as such by immigration officials.

However, airlines and other carriers may, at their discretion, refuse to allow you to travel if they believe that your passport is damaged beyond reasonable wear and tear. This is because they can be fined very heavily for transporting anyone without valid documentation.

If you're going to need your passport in the near future then you have no choice but to continue using it and hope for the best; it will almost certainly not be a problem. But I'd be inclined to apply for a new passport as soon as you are certain that you won't need your old one for a few weeks.

Aishah

Absolutely don't tamper with your passport - put it into a wallet or clear plastic small bag. After watching Customs and Immigration show on TV in Oz recently, tampered passports are the first thing that arouses suspicion and lead to lengthy interview and investigation. You wouldn't want that!

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Haze

Have you looked into the possibility of getting an emergency passport? They are pricey, but might suit your purpose. I know my brother (who is Irish and lives in the Netherlands) was able to get one because he also travels a lot and his old battered p/p could take no more abuse!

It's pricey, but might be worth it if it prevents you getting hauled in and questioned.

Cheers!

Haze

butterball

This was my concern... Better a worn out one than one than looks like you've messed with it !

federica

As long as the laminated part is ok, I don't see any problems. As long as all the pages are still inside. If you start working with Tesa it may look like you've added the page with the visa.

Getting a new one can take ages, and for some countries like USA the emergency passport is not valid as it is not computer readable. (is there still an emergency passport in Germany?)

This red stuff outside is horrible, it gets spoilt very fast. After 2 weeks in a belly bag on a trekking tour it looks like it is at least 200 years old.

vistet

I was exactly in this position on my last trip to India . I put the passport in a protective wallet , got my Indian visa, flew out of Sweden without problems ... and was thrust in to the Schengen ghost zone when I was to board the connecting flight from Helsinki. Small crack in the spine, laminated part in perfect condition : "It is brouuken .." no chance of getting on board. Had to stay one day extra in Helsinki, arrange new passport with the Swedish Embasy (who were very familiar with the problem : "oooh , that series , yes they crack and you will be issued a new one for free") , then new Indian visa.

It was not one of my favorite days.
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federica

Oops... I think I am going to check my passport now.

butterball

Very true - almost like something you'd find in an antique book shop..

Could be time for a new one..