A South African jet setter shares a picture of their passport and flight ticket. l SUPPLIED
According to Flight Centre South Africa’s Customer Experience Leader, Lynette Machiri, there are several ways you might unknowingly compromise the validity of your passport leading to denied boarding or entry to your destination country.
“Your passport is more than just a travel document – it’s your key to exploring the world,” said Machiri.
From seemingly harmless souvenir stamps to not having enough blank pages, Machiri said that these common errors can leave travellers stranded at the airport or worse – denied entry to their dream destination.
So if you’re planning to travel, here are the top five passport pitfalls to avoid, according to the travel expert.
Novelty passport stamps: A costly souvenir
Machiri noted that while the trend of collecting decorative stamps from famous landmarks or destinations might seem like a fun way to remember your travels, they could render your passport invalid.
“Novelty stamps from places like Machu Picchu or the Galápagos Island aren’t official border control stamps and having them in your passport is the same as defacing a government document,” said Machiri.
With the resurgence of destination novelty “passport stamps”, a British travel influencer shared how a traveller was left thousands of pounds out of pocket after getting a souvenir stamp at Machu Picchu placed in her passport, forcing her to get a new passport and rebook her flights.
“If you want to collect these stamps, rather use a travel journal. Your passport should only contain official stamps from border control authorities,” she said.
Running out of blank pages
Got two entire blank pages left and hope to squeeze in the exit and entry stamps for your next holiday – with enough room for the visa too? Or got two pages left but each has a teeny tiny stamp? That’s ok right?
Machiri warned to make sure that you check your passport carefully.
“South Africa’s standard passport comes with 32 pages but it’s crucial to keep track of how many entirely blank pages you have left,” she added.
Machiri said that many countries required a certain number of blank pages in your passport for entry stamps and visas. Some countries, like Italy and the UK require at least two blank pages, while others like the US demand at least one blank page for entry stamps.
She recommended checking the entry requirements for your destination well in advance. “If you’re running low on blank pages, it’s time to renew your passport before you travel,” she said.
Ignoring passport expiration rules
Machiri added that another common pitfall was not checking passport validity requirements for your destination.
“Many travellers assume that as long as their passport is valid for their travel dates, they’re good to go. However, numerous countries require your passport to be valid for a certain period beyond your planned return date,” she said.
The travel expert recommended at least six months validity from date of return.
“Always check the specific requirements for your destination. It’s better to renew your passport early than to be turned away at the airport,” advised Machiri.
Damaged or worn passports
She also noted that while normal wear and tear was usually acceptable, significant damage to your passport could lead to it being deemed invalid.
“Damage isn’t just about torn pages. Water damage, unofficial markings, or even a severe bend in the cover could be grounds for refusal. Immigration officials need to be able to verify all the information in your passport easily,” she said.
Machiri noted that if your passport shows signs of excessive wear or damage, it’s best to apply for a new one before your trip.
Not safeguarding your passport information
And finally, the expert said that in the age of social media, oversharing could lead to unexpected consequences.
“There are cases where travellers have posted photos of their passports or boarding passes online, only to become victims of identity theft,” Machiri warned.
She said that your passport contained sensitive information that should be kept private. This extends to physical security as well.
“Always keep your passport in a safe place, both at home and while travelling. Losing your passport abroad can be a costly and time-consuming ordeal,” she added.
In the end, she emphasised the importance of treating your passport with care. “Your passport is one of your most valuable possessions when travelling. Protecting its integrity ensures smooth travels and peace of mind,” said Machiri.