10 passport rules that sound fake but are totally real
If you have thought that the process of getting a passport is the only hurdle to planning an international trip, think again. From oddly specific photo requirements to rules about blank pages and passport damage, some travel regulations sound so bizarre, you'd think they were made up. But as it turns out, ignoring them could leave you grounded. Here's a rundown of 10 real passport rules that sound fake but are totally enforceable.
You can be denied boarding for a bent or damaged passportA little wear and tear may seem harmless, but many countries, including the US, UK, and Schengen nations, may deny you entry if your passport is torn, excessively worn, or water-damaged. Airlines can also refuse boarding if the passport appears compromised.
Some countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months — even if your trip is for 3 daysMany countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and the UAE, require at least six months of passport validity from your planned date of arrival. Even if your trip is short, this rule still applies.
Read more: 9 offbeat hill stations near big cities to make the most of office leaves
You can’t use passport with more than one small staple holeSome embassies or immigration officers treat even a single unauthorised hole, staple, or scratch near the photo page as tampering. While rare, it's happened in visa denials and border delays.
You may need at least 2-4 blank pages — just for visa stampsCertain countries, like South Africa, require at least two consecutive blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) in your passport, or you may be denied entry.
Can you wear glasses in your passport photo?As of November 2016, the US and many other countries no longer allow glasses in passport photos. There are some exceptions though which you need to be careful of. This rule is in place to reduce glare and facial recognition errors.
A child’s passport expires sooner than an adult’sChildren under 16 typically receive passports valid for only 5 years (compared to 10 years for adults). Many travelers learn this the hard way when their child's passport unexpectedly expires.
Dual nationals must use passport of the country they are enteringIf you hold dual citizenship, you must enter and leave each country using that country’s passport. Entering India on a US passport (if you’re an Indian citizen) is not allowed.
Read more: 9 offbeat destinations in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala serving serious Western Ghat vibes
Some countries deny entry if you’ve been to certain other countriesYes, having a stamp of a particular country can lead to denial of your entry into the country you are intending to travel to. While some have eased up, it’s still a real issue. So, double-check before you book that ticket.
Lost passports can’t be used againEven if you find a "lost" passport later, you can’t use it. Once reported lost or stolen, it’s invalidated by the issuing authority, and as such, you will need to apply for a fresh passport.
Your passport can be cancelled for unpaid child support or taxes in the USIn the US, if you owe more than $2,500 in child support, the government can deny issuing or renewing your passport. Tax evasion cases can also lead to passport restrictions.
So next time you're planning a trip, double-check the passport fine print — because sometimes, the rules that sound the weirdest are the ones that matter most. It’s not paranoia; it’s passport preparedness.
You can be denied boarding for a bent or damaged passportA little wear and tear may seem harmless, but many countries, including the US, UK, and Schengen nations, may deny you entry if your passport is torn, excessively worn, or water-damaged. Airlines can also refuse boarding if the passport appears compromised.
Some countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months — even if your trip is for 3 daysMany countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and the UAE, require at least six months of passport validity from your planned date of arrival. Even if your trip is short, this rule still applies.
Read more: 9 offbeat hill stations near big cities to make the most of office leaves
You can’t use passport with more than one small staple holeSome embassies or immigration officers treat even a single unauthorised hole, staple, or scratch near the photo page as tampering. While rare, it's happened in visa denials and border delays.
You may need at least 2-4 blank pages — just for visa stampsCertain countries, like South Africa, require at least two consecutive blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) in your passport, or you may be denied entry.
Can you wear glasses in your passport photo?As of November 2016, the US and many other countries no longer allow glasses in passport photos. There are some exceptions though which you need to be careful of. This rule is in place to reduce glare and facial recognition errors.
A child’s passport expires sooner than an adult’sChildren under 16 typically receive passports valid for only 5 years (compared to 10 years for adults). Many travelers learn this the hard way when their child's passport unexpectedly expires.
Dual nationals must use passport of the country they are enteringIf you hold dual citizenship, you must enter and leave each country using that country’s passport. Entering India on a US passport (if you’re an Indian citizen) is not allowed.
Read more: 9 offbeat destinations in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala serving serious Western Ghat vibes
Some countries deny entry if you’ve been to certain other countriesYes, having a stamp of a particular country can lead to denial of your entry into the country you are intending to travel to. While some have eased up, it’s still a real issue. So, double-check before you book that ticket.
Lost passports can’t be used againEven if you find a "lost" passport later, you can’t use it. Once reported lost or stolen, it’s invalidated by the issuing authority, and as such, you will need to apply for a fresh passport.
Your passport can be cancelled for unpaid child support or taxes in the USIn the US, if you owe more than $2,500 in child support, the government can deny issuing or renewing your passport. Tax evasion cases can also lead to passport restrictions.
So next time you're planning a trip, double-check the passport fine print — because sometimes, the rules that sound the weirdest are the ones that matter most. It’s not paranoia; it’s passport preparedness.
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