How to Handle Passport Water Damage | Should I replace it?

Are you looking for solutions to cope with passport water damage? If you don’t know whether to replace or recycle it, stay connected to find answers.

We will provide you with extra tips and tricks that could be time-saving if you are in a hurry. This article will guide you about the passport policies of various countries and preventive measures.

Passport damage is not just physical damage. Because sometimes even the electronic chip on the passport doesn’t work. And this can delay your important flights.

So, let’s get started.  

What is Passport Water Damage?

Your passport is damaged if you see any of the following issues. Here are some signs of passport water damage.

• Wrinkling: Pages are wrinkled. Pages are torn and moist due to water.

• Stuck pages: Pages of a passport are stuck together. It will cause document verification problems.

• Blurry text: The text on a passport is blurry and unreadable. Water has smudged the ink.

• Photodamage: Your photo on the passport is not clear. Thus, your identification is not possible.

• Water stains: The passport has water stains.

• Chip damage: The electronic chip on the passport is not working. Hence, your passport is invalid now.

Country-Specific Guidelines for Passport Replacement

The passport replacement policy might be different in various countries.

Canadian Passport Water Damage

In Canada, the damaged passport is not valid. So, you will have to contact the Canadian passport office to apply for a replacement. Then, you’ll submit a passport application form, with the damaged passport. Additionally, they will also ask for your new photos.

Processing Time

You will get your new passport in Canada after 10-20 business days.

Australian Passport Water Damage

If you are suffering from Australian Passport damage abroad, then you can go to the embassy. They will ask you for the damaged passport, new photos, and application. In addition, you will have to pay some fees.

You will get the new Australian passport within 3 weeks.

US Passport Water Damage

In the USA, the passport acceptance facility handles the issue. Or if you are abroad, then visit the embassy. Here, you’ll need to provide the following three documents:

1. Your damaged passport.
2. A signed statement ( it explains about the passport’s condition)
3. Form DS-11 (your photos, fee, and other additional documents)

The passport processing takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

Singaporean Passport Water Damage

If your passport is damaged in Singapore, you need to report it quickly. You can report online or in person. Online application for passport replacement occurs through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) 

You have to sign up and fill out the application. Next, you have to provide clear photos of your damaged Singaporean passport. Lastly, you’ll have to pay the non-refundable fee of $70(online).

The same procedure is followed for passport damage when you go to the ICA counter. But the fee will be $80. Moreover, you will receive your new passport in 7 days.

Indian Passport Water Damage

In India, the process is slightly different. If your passport is damaged, then you will go to PSK (Passport Seva Kendra). Afterward, you may need police verification.

Here, you’ll repeat the procedure for passport water damage. However, the processing time can be different.

Philippine Passport Water Damage

In the Philippines, your damaged passport will be replaced within several weeks. Here, you have to go to the (DFA) Department of Foreign Affairs office. Here, you will submit an application form along with some fees.

In the Philippines, a damaged passport can be replaced by visiting a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) office. Submit the damaged passport along with a new application form and fees.

New Zealand Passport Water Damage

In New Zealand, you can apply online or go to the embassy. You must submit your damaged passport along with the application form. You will receive the new passport within 10 business days.

British (UK) Passport Water Damage

You’ll need to apply for renewal of your passport in HMPO (Her Majesty’s Passport Office). In the UK, the rules of renewal are quite strict. The processing time is 3-4 weeks.

Here are the criteria for issuing new passports,

1. British Nationality (applicant should be British national)
2. Entitlement ( a person must hold a British passport )
3. Identity Verification (verified identity of person).

Is a water-damaged passport still valid?

The most important question is about the validity of passports.

Is your water-damaged passport still valid? Let’s find out.

There are two types of passport water damage. 

• Minor Water Damage: 

There are stains of water. And the pages of my passport are wrinkled. So, there are 98% chance that your passport is still valid. But also seek the opinion of a professional.

• Severe Water Damage: 

The photo, text, and chip are damaged. It means that there is severe water damage. In fact, Your passport is invalid.

Steps to Take After Discovering Passport Water Damage

Now, you know about the severity of the damage. The next step is to take action. Follow the following steps to deal with this situation.

1. Dry the Passport if it is still wet. You can dry it with a cloth or air dry it completely. Avoid using the sundry because it can cause more damage.
2. Assess the Damage to know its severity after drying. If it is in better condition, this is still valid.
3. Contact Your Passport Office to seek professional help. They will tell you whether your passport needs replacement or not.
4. Seek a Replacement if it is Necessary. If the water damage is severe, apply for a replacement passport. But the conditions of replacement poly depend upon your location.

What to Do If Your Passport Is Damaged While Travelling

Sometimes, you find your passport damaged while traveling. In this case here are some tips.

1. Contact Your Embassy or Consulate

Firstly, don’t panic. Secondly, contact the embassy of your country or consulate.                      They will guide you in this situation.

 They may issue you the emergency travel document as the embassy of Ireland does.    Or they may help you in the passport replacement process.

2. Emergency Passport Application

Don’t have time for the replacement of a full passport? There is a solution.

You will apply for the issuance of an emergency passport. Moreover, you have to qualify for the issuance of an emergency passport.

For example, the U.S embassy will issue you this passport in the following situations:

• You have a life-or-death emergency with any relative in another country. (3 business days)
• You have a schedule of urgent international travel. ( in 14 days)
• Or you need to get a foreign visa (in 28 calendar days)

Furthermore, you can get this passport on the same day of application or in 2 working days. Although you get this passport, but this will only work for one visit. So. you will need to replace it with the full passport later.

3. Replacement Passport Application

If you have time, then go for the full passport replacement. This process may take a few days or weeks. But the good part is that you can travel with peace.

The process of passport replacement is different according to your location.

Preventing Passport Water Damage-Advice

Prevention is always better than cure. So, here are some useful tips to avoid passport water damage.

• Use a Waterproof Passport Holder
• Avoid sun exposure
• Keep your passport in a sealed case in a cool and dry place.
• Make a document file and try not to mix your passport.
• Don’t leave it anywhere carelessly.
• If you have a safe, then use it.
• Don’t place it in pockets/bags where it can face water damage.
• Dry your passport with a cloth if you notice moisture.
• Keep your passport in a secure place while on the pool/beaches.

Final thoughts

In my opinion, you must be careful about your legal documents like passports. And try to avoid such situations. But if you are accidentally facing passport water damage, then don’t panic. And try to follow all the guidelines that are mentioned in this article. This will help you to enjoy the stress-free travel journey.

FAQs

1. Can I still use my passport if it has slight water damage?

Yes, if the electronic chip on the passport is working. And if your photo is clear and the text is not blurry. Moreover, you must contact the country’s embassy or consulate to know the validity of your passport.

2. What should I do if my passport has water stains?

Your passport is valid, if your identification is still possible. And water has not damaged the electronic chip. But if the water has damaged the passport’s identity, then get a new passport.

3. How to dry a wet passport?

Dab your passport with a dry cloth. Allow it to air dry. In addition, avoid sun exposure or hot air dryers. You can also use the absorbent paper for drying it.

4. Can I travel with a stain on my passport?

If there is a minor stain of water, then you can travel. But if there are severe stains of water, then you can’t travel.

5. How can I put tape on my passport?

You can not use any kind of glue or tape. Because it is your legal document. And if there is any passport damage, then you need to replace it.