Slightly damaged passport? Here's what you need to do
You're all set for your long-awaited vacation trip: flight tickets secured, accommodation and activities booked, and necessary documents packed. Yet, you're denied boarding due to a damaged passport.
This happened to Facebook user Diana Natividad, who detailed their encounter with a Cebu Pacific ground staff at an airport last April 15 for their supposed family trip to Bali, Indonesia.
According to her, upon arriving at the airport, they went straight ahead to pay the travel tax, noting that there were no issues flagged with their passport.
However, things took a turn when a ground staff member at the check-in counter noticed a slight tear in the spine of her 78-year-old dad's passport. The airport ground staff took photos of the passport and asked them to wait since she needed to send the passport photos to the immigration in Bali to verify its validity.
They were able to secure her dad's boarding pass at a different counter and were cleared by immigration. However, they were still denied entry at the boarding gate despite assurances from an immigration staff member and a Cebu Pacific supervisor that the tear in the passport was normal wear and tear, stressing it is still deemed valid.
What could happen if your passport has a slight tear, and what can you do to prevent this travel mishap?
‘Passport is not personal property’
Carmina Romero, Corporate Communications Head of Cebu Pacific, explained that a passport is not personal property, citing Republic Act No. 8329 or the Philippine Passport Act of 1996. It states that the Philippine passport remains “at all times the property of the government, the holder being a mere possessor.”
“A quick search would show that there is a law stating that a passport is not personal property. And any damage (mutilated, damaged, tampered) would make it challenging for the passenger to travel,” she told PhilSTAR L!fe in an interview.
When asked whether the slight tear shown in Natividad’s photo is considered damage, she answered, “Yes. We have formal communication with Bali, and they advised against boarding the passenger.”
Romero explained that the worst-case scenario would be denial of entry at their destination if the passenger boarded with a slightly torn passport.
“It's worse if pinalusot namin. Pagdating sa Bali hindi naman tatanggapin, problema pa ng airline kasi hindi naman naka book ang pasahero na bumalik agad. Iba ang return date,” she explained.
Following the incident, some speculated about a new "Punit Passport Modus." Romero urged the public to avoid spreading such claims, stating that this alleged scheme is untrue.
“Wala pong ganun,” she said. “Passengers should take care of their passports.”
How to replace a damaged passport
Before your flight, make sure to check your passport to see if it has damage. Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teresita Daza told L!fe that passports should be stored in a safe place, where it is dry and protected from other elements.
Daza cautioned travelers against bending or making any alterations to their passports. She further explained that any suspected damage, even if it appears to be unnoticeable, should prompt immediate replacement before traveling.
Per Romero, the passport is considered damaged if it has a slight tear, has been marked or has a smudge of a ballpen ink, has scratch marks, and torn pages.
The DFA also enumerated that a passport is considered mutilated if:
- The data page is no longer readable or has missing information,
- The passport chip is damaged or no longer readable,
- It has missing pages,
- The photo on the data page has been compromised or is no longer visible,
- The hardcover has been detached from the passport booklet,
- The stitching of the passport booklet has come loose
- It has been water damaged, or
- The ink from the visa or other written letters on the passport has been spread on the pages.
If your passport has met any of the conditions above, secure an appointment via the Global Online Appointment System at passport.gov.ph. Note that a mutilated passport will require a new application.
You must personally appear at your selected DFA offices on your scheduled date, and bring with you the accomplished Passport Application form, Affidavit of Explanation, and Affidavit of Mutilation.
Additional requirements include:
- Original and photocopy of Birth Certificate issued by PSA, or Marriage Certificate issued by PSA/NSO (if married and using the LAST NAME of the husband)
- Photocopy of lost passport
- Payment for fees, including a penalty fee of P350.
You are also required to surrender your mutilated/damaged passport to the chosen DFA office.
