An unacceptable passport is typically one that is significantly damaged, altered, or unreadable, making it invalid for international travel. Key indicators include water damage, torn or missing pages, unauthorized markings/stickers, broken RFID chips, or peeling laminate on the data page. Normal wear, like minor bending, is usually fine, but structural damage will lead to denial of entry.
There's chemical or ink spillage on any page. There are missing or detached pages. The chip or antenna shows through the end paper on the back cover for the new style e-passports. The chip has been identified as damaged after investigation.
Passports can become invalid for several reasons, including expiration, physical damage, or changes in personal information. Additionally, if a passport is lost or stolen, it may be invalid.
Serious crimes carry heavier restrictions, with convictions for treason or international drug trafficking often resulting in the denial of a passport. Financial obligations must be settled, as owing more than $2,500 in child support or having unpaid federal loans for emergency medical care will disqualify you.
Damaged Passport Examples
the laminate portion on your name page has lifted so that it has the potential for a substitute photo to be inserted. there are signs of fading or discolouration on the passport's name page. your passport is stained on any of its pages (e.g.. it has ink, makeup or chemical spills)
Your passport is considered to have major damage if:
Normal "wear and tear" such as folded pages or a small bend do not count as damage. Damage includes stains from a liquid, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages (torn out), or a hole punch.
Criminal Record: Passports may be flagged if the passport holder has a criminal record or is wanted for questioning or arrest by law enforcement authorities. Fraudulent Activity: Passports may be flagged if there are suspicions of passport fraud, such as the use of counterfeit or altered documents.
There are many reasons why you might not get passport, including: missing paperwork, errors in the application, valid warrants of arrest, or being on the passport denial list. Keep reading to discover the most common rejection reasons for passport photos, how to avoid them, and how to recover if you do make an error.
Yes, most felons can get a U.S. passport, as a felony conviction doesn't automatically bar you unless it involves specific crimes like international drug trafficking, treason, or you're under a court order restricting travel, on parole/probation with travel bans, or owe significant child support. Eligibility depends on the nature of the crime, completion of the sentence, and current legal status; check with Travel.State.gov for details, especially if on probation or parole.
If your passport is damaged, apply for a new passport. Replace your passport if there is: Water damage (including mold and stains) A significant tear.
To check your passport's validity, look at the expiration date on the data page and remember adults (16+) get 10 years, kids (under 16) get 5 years, but many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your trip ends, so check your destination's specific rules on the U.S. State Department's travel site before you fly.
Global Passport Mobility Rankings: Bottom 10 Weakest Passports
You can't get a U.S. passport if you're not a citizen, have certain serious criminal convictions (drug trafficking, treason, etc.), owe significant child support (over $2,500), have a felony drug conviction while using a passport, or are subject to court orders restricting travel, but eligibility can be complex, requiring proof of citizenship, identity, and adherence to legal obligations like taxes and child support.
We cannot refund the passport application fee and the execution fee. By law, we collect both fees and keep them even if a passport is not issued.
Breaking down what happens when your passport is scanned
Airlines share your Passenger Name Record up to 72 hours before travel (name, itinerary, payment info, etc.). Officials cross-reference Interpol, watchlists, visa denials, and criminal records. Cameras match your current appearance against your passport photo.
You can't get a U.S. passport if you're not a citizen, have certain serious criminal convictions (drug trafficking, treason, etc.), owe significant child support (over $2,500), have a felony drug conviction while using a passport, or are subject to court orders restricting travel, but eligibility can be complex, requiring proof of citizenship, identity, and adherence to legal obligations like taxes and child support.
In-Person Inquiry at the Bureau of Immigration Main Office
Request a “Certification of No Derogatory Record” or “Clearance” to verify if there is any blacklisting, hold-departure order, or watchlist order against you.
Cuts, rips, or significant tears on pages or the cover. Water stains obstructing the contents of the pages. Major water damage. Peeling plastic.
Unfortunately, you can't fix a damaged passport with a little tape and glue. If you have determined your passport is, in fact, damaged, it will have to be replaced.
You know your passport application was accepted by checking the U.S. Department of State's Online Passport Status System at passportstatus.state.gov/ (or travel.state.gov for more info) using your last name, birth date, and last four digits of your SSN; it will show statuses like "In Process," "Approved," or "Mailed," with updates arriving via email too, though it might take two weeks to show up after applying.