Warning as passport tears or stains could stop holidays

Reviewed by: Helen Rolph
Home, Travel & Pet Insurance Expert

Written by: Katie Gawley
Insurance Content Writer

Fact-checked by: Quotezone Editorial Team

This content follows our Editorial Guidelines

Last Updated: 24th April 2026
Read time: 4 min

British travellers have been warned that an often forgotten passport rule could see them turned away from airports during this busy travel season.

Travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk are reminding holidaymakers to check their passport well ahead of travelling to avoid last minute stress, denied boarding or costly disruptions.

From minor tears and water damage to unreadable pages, seemingly small issues may render a passport unusable in the eyes of border authorities.

With international travel issues continuing to cause disruption for many Brits, the insurance experts are urging passengers to be prepared – attempting to fly with a damaged passport could result in long delays or even being turned away at the airport.

Damaged passports can mask fraudulent tampering, while water damage or ripped pages could make it difficult for authorities to verify traveller information.*

The costly consequences could be avoided by recognising passport damage early and addressing it, which is why the insurance pros are helping travellers to understand what types of damage could lead to their passport being void, and ways to avoid holiday disruption.

They also say applications to replace a damaged passport must include a reason as to how the document sustained the issue, in order to avoid lengthy processing.

Helen Rolph, travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “We’re urging everyone with international travel booked to check their passport now, before it’s too late.

“This is because any flaws with your passport could result in you being turned away and missing out on your trip. Many people assume a passport is valid as long as it hasn’t expired and there are plenty of pages left to be stamped, but that’s not always the case.

“Damaged passports can obscure key information and even make it difficult or impossible to scan. This level of damage can raise suspicions about tampering, and is taken very seriously by airport authorities.

“These passport issues would not likely be covered by your travel insurance policy, so it’s best to know ahead of time whether you are going to need a replacement for your trip.”

Types of passport damage

It’s important to assess your travel documents when booking your trip, this way you have time to make sure everything is in order. If you are worried your passport may have signs of damage, there are some specific things to look out for. HM Passport Office will consider your passport to be damaged if you cannot read any details, any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing, there are any holes or rips in the cover, the cover is coming away or even if there are stains on the pages.*

Wear and tear

General wear and tear like your passport cover being slightly worn or having a bent spine shouldn’t cause any concerns at the airport, but it is better to replace the document if you are in any doubt.

How to replace your damaged passport

If you are concerned about your passport and are looking to change it ahead of your trip, you can apply for a replacement online which costs £102.** Your application must include a reason as to how the document sustained the fault in order to avoid lengthy processing.*** A standard UK passport will take up to three weeks to arrive, but can take double that time during peak summer months.

Quotezone helps over 4 million people every year compare and find savings on bills and essentials, including travel insurance, both UK and abroad.

References:
*https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/replace

**https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports

***https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/damaged-and-faulty-passports/damaged-british-passports-accessible

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.