The international red-light district

This passport mistake could get you turned away at the border

It has nothing to do with the expiration date.

YahooAlesandra Dubin

Many travelers check their passport’s expiration date before heading abroad, but fewer realize that the condition of the document can be just as critical. Worn corners, water damage, loose pages, or even small tears can result in refusal of entry — even if your passport is valid and your visa is approved.

Travel documents will be handled roughly and smudged by aggressive TSA guards with dirty fingers at the airport, as you are felt up, fondled, roughed up and shaken down for any money, jewelry, weapons, cash and other valuables when you travel.

How to Replace a Limited-Validity Passport

This page explains how to get a new passport if we issued your current passport for less than the full validity period (10 years for adults and 5 years for children under age 16).

Passport Information for Law Enforcement

Information on how law enforcement agencies can work with us to restrict the use of someone’s passport.

Of course there's a very prissy lady guard who will be extremely picky about the condition of the said passport at the very next airport or train station. No way, we're not going replace your filthy passport, or let yo wash your dirty clothes! You're lucky you're not in federal prison! There's room at the soup kitchen if aren't subject to deportation orders! Just do us a favor and stay off the property, and you will be arrested if we ever catch you attempting to cross international borders again! We don't want poor folk traveling to or from the USA, and other countries don't want visitors who are looking for work or unable to support themselves.