Is my passport valid if the front is faded?

Posted by AnonymousBanana7@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 12 comments

I keep my passport in my pocket for ID as I don't have a license but it's caused the gold bits on the front to start wearing away. You can still read the text but it's fading, and the lion is gone as well as half the crown. Can I still use it?

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12 Comments

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Platform_Dancer@reddit

Yes perfectly fine I have travelled extensively with mine in a similar condition.... THE only exception is Ryanair - they go out of their way to find reasons to cancel your boarding so avoid flying with them - EVER!

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throw4455away@reddit

I have the exact same with the gold coming off (but in my case it just seems to be poor quality as I don’t carry it around outside of travel so it’s come off after very little wear). In fact last year I was stopped at UK immigration and quizzed why my passport was in such good condition (is it??)

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AirBiscuitBarrel@reddit

Yes, but some countries can be funny about the condition of your passport cover. I've heard stores of people being refused entry to a number of countries in SE Asia because the front of their passport was faded.

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AnonymousBanana7@reddit (OP)

Yeah that's what made me a bit concerned, I've read stories on reddit of people being refused entry over really minor damage to their passport. I don't plan on going to SEA any time soon though, as long as I can get around the UK and Europe I'm happy.

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AirBiscuitBarrel@reddit

Yeah I would think you'll be fine all over Europe. I flew to several countries on my previous passport, which was completely blank front and back and never ran into a problem. It was even looking a bit ropey when I went to Japan and they didn't seem to care.

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ImThatBitchNoodles@reddit

Yes, it's still valid. Why not get a provisional driving licence? I'd be a bit nervous walking around with my passport in my pocket. They are harder and more expensive to replace than a provisional.

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AnonymousBanana7@reddit (OP)

I did have one but I got mugged a couple of years ago and lost it, couldn't really afford to replace it at the time but it was due to expire early last year anyway. I'll probably be getting a new one soon as I'm planning to start learning to drive 🤞

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GingerAki@reddit

Mine is completely blank on the front. Never had an issue.

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Fun_Diver5631@reddit

Absolutely! Mine has faded so much that it has no markings at all now. As long as the actual booklet isn't defaced/torn, you are good.

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Boldboy72@reddit

the only part that is important is the bit with your data on it. If that's in good condition you'll be fine. If it looks tampered with, get a replacement.

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Urbanyeti0@reddit

As long as the inside of it is still fine then you’re good

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