Tourists warned over increasingly common passport mistake that could ruin holiday plans

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

For some tourists, getting their passport stamped at iconic or dreamy destinations is like a badge of honour.
Many use them as a way of keeping track of all the different places they've visited across the globe, almost like a souvenir.
However, travellers have been warned to avoid collecting 'novelty' stamps in their official passports.
At some popular destinations such as Machu Picchu, in Peru, tourists may be offered unofficial stamps as a memento of their visit.
Other places include Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, in Wales and Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin.
But what my appear to be a harmless addition to your passport could actually land you in trouble with border control, as some countries see these stamps as tampering or even a potential security concern.
There have been instances where tourists have had to replace their passport because a foreign border official considers it damaged or altered.
Jamie Fraser, an American summer camp director at Wildpacks, explained how the popular stamps have become problematic for some travellers.
He said: 'Souvenir stamps have become a bit of a badge of honour for travellers — they look cool, they feel like part of the adventure.
'But the second you let someone stamp your passport who isn't a border official, you're not adding a memory — you're risking the whole document being declared invalid.'
He added: 'If your passport includes anything not placed there by an official, you're at the mercy of each border's interpretation.
'For something that takes up just one square inch, it can cause a world of trouble.'
The UK Government considers unofficial stamps, markings or writing as passport damage, according to Wildpacks.
Torn or missing pages are also counted, as well as faded or unreadable information.
Ink stains or water damage on passports is seen as damage, and loose or separated covers.
It's recommended that travellers ask for the souvenir stamps on a piece of paper or postcard, instead of their passport.
Tourists are also urged against marking passports themselves, as even small doodles or messages could case issues.
A page-by-page check is also recommended before flying, to ensure everything is in order and there are no unfamiliar marks or stamps.
Passengers have also been urged to replace their travel document early if concerned.
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