People who travel a lot are used to their passport being their constant companion. There it can happen that the pages crease, tears appear or in extreme cases; the Passport accidentally ends up in the washing machine. But at what stage of wear and tear it comes even to the point that the passport loses its validity?

What happens if the passport is too worn?

For globetrotters, a passport containing countless stamps and entries is like a shrine. Logically, this important document can also get damaged sometimes during all the traveling. If the passport is completely tattered and falls apart at every touch, some countries that take the entry procedure very strictly, could refuse a stay.

Basically, as long as the passport is still valid and all important parts, such as surname, first name, date of birth, place of birth, passport number and photo are recognizable, it should not be a problem to enter the country even with tears and creases. However, in order to avoid long waiting times, unpleasant questioning or even a refusal of entry, one should always make sure that the passport is in a proper condition.

Can the passport be fixed?

If the data necessary to establish one's identity is still legible, but the passport itself falls apart into all its individual parts, many people help themselves out with adhesive tape. Whether this automatically invalidates the passport depends on the country. In Germany, for example, a temporary repair is no problem in most cases. Nevertheless, it is not recommended to go on holiday with a broken or tattered passport.

In case of doubt, you should definitely apply for a new passport.

This is the best way to look after your passport

The passport belongs next to airline tickets and hotel confirmations, as well as money to the most important utensils on vacation. While most things can already be carried safely and in digital form, there is still no smaller alternative for the passport. First, you should always keep your passport close to the body or lock it in a safe where it is protected from theft, fire or water. To avoid a broken passport, there are some other things to look out for.

Protect your passport with a cover: there are now countless stylish covers for your passport. They ensure that the passport does not get creased, bent or even torn. In addition, a cover can also prevent the worst if the document comes into contact with water.

Keep it safe: if you really want to be on the safe side, it's best to keep your passport double protected. Especially if you are visiting an island or are on the water, a waterproof bag is recommended.

Check from time to time: to make sure that your passport is still in place at home and, above all, still valid, you should take a look at it from time to time so that you can apply for a new passport in good time.

Picture Credits: Joshua Woroniecki / Pixabay, Gerhard G / Pixabay