Can I travel with a damaged passport?
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What to do now
- Check your passport against the list of damage below.
- If it is damaged, apply for a replacement — £102 online or £115.50 by paper form.
- Send the damaged passport with your application.
- If you travel soon, use the 1-week Fast Track service instead (£192 adult, £156.50 child).
Not sure if your passport is valid for your trip? Check it against your destination's rule in seconds — 85 destinations covered.
Check my passportWhat counts as a damaged passport
HM Passport Office treats your passport as damaged if:
- you cannot read any of your details
- any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing
- there are holes, cuts or rips in the cover
- the cover is coming away
- there are stains on the pages, for example ink or water damage
Can I still travel with it?
GOV.UK says you must replace a damaged passport and you may not be able to travel with it. Airlines check passports at check-in and can refuse to let you board, and some countries — including the Maldives, Vietnam, Morocco and Tunisia — specifically warn that damaged passports may be refused.
Normal wear and tear, such as a slightly bent cover, is not the same as damage. If you are not sure, it is safer to replace it before you book.
Replacing a damaged passport
| Passport | Online | Paper form |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (16 and over) | £102 | £115.50 |
| Child (under 16) | £66.50 | £80 |
A paper application for a damaged passport must be countersigned. For a damaged child passport sent by post, include a letter from someone with parental responsibility explaining how the damage happened.
The 1-day Premium service cannot be used for a damaged passport — use 1-week Fast Track if you need it quickly.
If you are abroad
If you need to travel within 6 weeks, you can apply online for an Emergency Travel Document (£125). It is usually ready 2 working days after you apply and is normally valid for one single or return journey.
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel with a water-damaged passport?
Water damage counts as damage, and GOV.UK says you may not be able to travel with a damaged passport. Replace it before you travel.
How much does it cost to replace a damaged passport?
£102 online or £115.50 by paper form for an adult, and £66.50 online or £80 by paper form for a child.
Can I get a damaged passport replaced urgently?
Yes, with the 1-week Fast Track service (£192 adult, £156.50 child). The 1-day Premium service cannot be used for damaged passports.
Official sources
- GOV.UK: Replace a damaged passport
- GOV.UK: Replace a damaged child passport
- GOV.UK: Get a passport urgently
- GOV.UK: Travel urgently from abroad
UK Passport Checker is an independent guide and is not part of HM Passport Office. Always apply through GOV.UK.