do you need to replace your passport if it fell into the washing machine?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 70
do you need to replace your passport if it fell into the washing machine?
do you need to replace your passport if it fell into the washing machine?
it was retrieved from pants pocket just before the machine started to wash,
but was already filled with water. the passport was soaked, but looked
semi-ok after it dried...
thanks!
it was retrieved from pants pocket just before the machine started to wash,
but was already filled with water. the passport was soaked, but looked
semi-ok after it dried...
thanks!
#2
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My guess is that if the passport in its present state looks like it has been tampered with, you should replace it.
Also, if it is a newer passport with RFID chip, the immersion may or may not have affected the chip.
Also, if it is a newer passport with RFID chip, the immersion may or may not have affected the chip.
#5
Join Date: Oct 2008
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It probably needs to be replaced.
A co-worker and I were in Warsaw renewing our Russian visas and his passport was a bit worn from being kept in his back pants pocket and the Russian consulate refused to issue him a visa because the passport was worn. He had to get a emergency new passport from the US embassy (boy was that fun! but he had it easy being ex-Air Force).
A co-worker and I were in Warsaw renewing our Russian visas and his passport was a bit worn from being kept in his back pants pocket and the Russian consulate refused to issue him a visa because the passport was worn. He had to get a emergency new passport from the US embassy (boy was that fun! but he had it easy being ex-Air Force).
#6
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: GLA
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 2,963
I had an old passport which had water spilled on it (and no time to replace before travelling). It attracted the attention of the border guard at AMS, and when I explained what happened, he replied "yes, that's what people with fake passports say"!
More fun was to be had when he asked if I had any other ID - such as a driving licence. I duly handed over driving licence to much confusion "where's the picture?" - to which I had to explain that UK driving licences don't have pictures!
Eventually he called his supervisor over, he took me into a side office, had a quick look at my passport, at my boarding card, and pointed out the quickest way to the gate
More fun was to be had when he asked if I had any other ID - such as a driving licence. I duly handed over driving licence to much confusion "where's the picture?" - to which I had to explain that UK driving licences don't have pictures!
Eventually he called his supervisor over, he took me into a side office, had a quick look at my passport, at my boarding card, and pointed out the quickest way to the gate
#7
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What looks "semi-OK" to you, might look like a tampered or otherwise altered passport to an immigration officer. There is no point having it hanging over your head every time you travel so get a new one is the best advice.
#8
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
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I say renew it. I've had them spot things they found suspicious that I never noticed on an old passport that was starting to show some wear. It may be fine 95% of the time, but that one time it's not you don't need the hassle.
#9
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: London
Programs: BA
Posts: 2,368
As others have said, it will get rejected at the most inopportune moment and cause no end of grief.
The 'exceptionally worn look' is/was a popular way of trying to pass of forged/tampered with Passports as genuine.
The 'exceptionally worn look' is/was a popular way of trying to pass of forged/tampered with Passports as genuine.
#10
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: OH
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Posts: 9,539
I've been travelling for 3 years with a passport that got soaked in Cambodia and then also had cough drops melt on it. The covers are scotch-taped together since they are starting to peel. I actually got extra pages added even after it looked like this. I do get occasional comments from US border guards but (fingers crossed) no other issues.
I really need to get a new one but since I travel int'lly on a regular basis, I'm having a hard time figuring out when I can do it.
I really need to get a new one but since I travel int'lly on a regular basis, I'm having a hard time figuring out when I can do it.
#11
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I've been travelling for 3 years with a passport that got soaked in Cambodia and then also had cough drops melt on it. The covers are scotch-taped together since they are starting to peel. I actually got extra pages added even after it looked like this. I do get occasional comments from US border guards but (fingers crossed) no other issues.
I really need to get a new one but since I travel int'lly on a regular basis, I'm having a hard time figuring out when I can do it.
I really need to get a new one but since I travel int'lly on a regular basis, I'm having a hard time figuring out when I can do it.
#12
Join Date: Jun 2007
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I've been travelling for 3 years with a passport that got soaked in Cambodia and then also had cough drops melt on it. The covers are scotch-taped together since they are starting to peel. I actually got extra pages added even after it looked like this. I do get occasional comments from US border guards but (fingers crossed) no other issues.
I really need to get a new one but since I travel int'lly on a regular basis, I'm having a hard time figuring out when I can do it.
I really need to get a new one but since I travel int'lly on a regular basis, I'm having a hard time figuring out when I can do it.
#13
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How does a passport fall into the washing machine? That like asking why the chicken crossed the road to a slaughter house?
#14
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