Damaged Passport Canada

If your passport is damaged then you will need to apply for a new passport. Trying to use a damaged passport for travel may cause unwanted stress and delays. in fact the worst case scenario is been denied entry at border control or on flights, which will undoubtedly spoil your much anticipated travelling.

These are examples of damage to a passport:

• your passport has been exposed to water or humidity
• your passport has a tear in one or more pages
• your passport contains unauthorized markings
• the information and/or photo in your passport have been altered or made less identifiable
• pages have been removed or torn out
• the cover and inside pages have come apart
• has been chewed by a child or pet
• other forms of damage

A passport is considered damaged if it:

• impedes the identification of the holder;
• appears to have been altered or falsified; or
• could potentially cause problems or has been denied by an airline or at a point of entry due to perceived damage.

Ultimately, border authorities may allow or refuse entry or exit for any reason, including the condition of a passport. An airline may also prevent a passenger from boarding a plane based on the condition of a passport (airline officials have knowledge of the entry requirements of international destinations).

If you are concerned about the condition of your passport, you should contact the airline prior to departure or you may visit a Passport Canada office to have it examined. When replacing a damaged passport, a general application must be used. Renewals are not accepted.