19 January 2024
Your passport is your most important identity document. Treat it with care and keep it free from damage. You can do this by:
- knowing where it is at all times
- storing it in a dry and secure place
- not altering it in any way
- handling it with care (don’t bend the cover back or you could damage the stitching).
Even minor damage or alterations can void your passport and stop you from travelling. It’s important that there’s no:
- altered or missing pages
- tears or cuts
- marks, stains or discolouration
- souvenir stamps, written marks or lines.
Find out more about using and protecting your passport and damaged and faulty passports on our website.