Latest news with #Wildpacks
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Daily Mail
Tourists warned over increasingly common passport mistake
By For some tourists, getting their passport stamped at iconic or dreamy destinations is like a badge of honor. 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, travelers 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 travelers. He said: 'Souvenir stamps have become a bit of a badge of honor for travelers — 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 travelers 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. It comes after we revealed there's a dreamy Caribbean island giving out passports if you buy a home there .
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Daily Mail
Tourists warned over increasingly common passport mistake that could ruin holiday plans
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. It comes after we revealed there's a d.
Daily Mirror
04-08-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits warned getting your passport stamped could ruin holiday plans
According to American Summer camp travel provider Wildpacks, 'souvenir' stamps may seem like a harmless memento, but can cause serious complications at border control Brits may be unknowingly putting their holiday at risk by collecting passport stamps when travelling. Passport stamps are badges of honour for many travellers, creating a nostalgic paper trail of their adventures. However, Brits heading to Wales, the United States and the European Union and those flying further afield this summer are being warned that collecting novelty stamps in their passports could cause serious problems on future trips or even blocked from entering countries. According to American Summer camp travel provider Wildpacks, 'souvenir' stamps may seem like a harmless memento, but can cause serious complications at border control. The warning comes as more information emerges about when a new border regime for travel to EU countries will come into force. Have you had travel issues because of your passport? Email webtravel@ if you'd like to share your story Because official immigration authorities don't issue them, some countries treat them as tampering or even a potential security concern. The stamps are available at plenty of famous attractions such as like Machu Picchu, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch and Checkpoint Charlie, with the inky marks offered as a souvenir. Tourist stamps are increasingly common at historic or iconic destinations. But some mimic official travel markings or reference politically sensitive areas — both of which can trigger delays, questioning, or outright denial of entry. Jamie Fraser, American summer camp director at Wildpacks, explained: '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. '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.' In some cases, travellers have been forced to replace their passports entirely if a foreign border official considers it damaged or altered. What the UK government considers passport damage: Unofficial stamps, markings or writing Torn or missing pages Faded or unreadable information Ink stains or water damage Loose or separated covers If you are worried about your passport not being valid, companies such as TUI offer handy passport validity checker tools. When it comes to making sure your passport is in good working condition, following these steps is a wise idea: Skip the souvenir stamp – Ask for it on a postcard or piece of paper instead. Don't mark your passport yourself – Even small doodles or messages could be flagged. Do a page-by-page check before you fly – Look for unfamiliar marks, stamps or smudges. Replace early if in doubt – A clean passport is your best travel guarantee. Some iconic souvenir stamps include Ciudad Mitad del Mundo which is located in Ecuador at the Equator, Churchill in Canada which has branded itself the polar bear capital of the world and Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, a town famous for having the longest place name in Britain.
