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Should I worry about water damage to my passport when traveling to Thailand?

Water DamagePassport IssuesThailand TravelPassport RenewalsImmigrationVisa Guidance
Nov 16, 2023
a year ago
Kharn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is this water damage something I should be worried about travelling to Thailand? Or do I need to get a new passport
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Travelers have mixed opinions regarding the safety of using a water-damaged passport when traveling to Thailand. While some individuals suggest that as long as the essential information remains clear and legible, travel should be fine, others strongly recommend obtaining a new passport to avoid potential issues at check-in or immigration. The consensus indicates that the decision may ultimately depend on the discretion of immigration officers or the policies of your airline. It's advised to consider replacing the passport if there is any significant damage.
Jj ****
For resident visa - re entry permit they can be strict. But no clear rule
a year ago
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Lee **********
I've been turned away at Manchester airport for a water damaged passport 8 years ago. I'd get a new one to be safe
a year ago
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Jason *********
Use an NFC/RFID reading app to verify the chip is working.
a year ago
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Mauro ********************
No problem.

Have chip inside.

My passport swim with me on sea one time and o still use 😁
a year ago
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Ahmed *******
My old one fell in the sea water in 2017 and just changed to a new one this year 😂😂
a year ago
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Manuajomtien *********
Il ne passe pas dans les machines de controles automatiques,donc ca peut poser problemes
a year ago
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Wayne *****
So many mixed answers!!!!!! why the hell do people ask for such important information on a forum with so many arm chair experts who make most of their information up.
a year ago
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Kharn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Probably the same reason you felt a need to comment on the post
a year ago
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Benny ********
@Wayne ****
 That's why i don't bother with questions of any sort any more, i go directly to any visa company and ask anything i want to know on their chat
a year ago
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Wayne *****
@Benny *******
 agree 💯
a year ago
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Wayne *****
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Edna *******
If you can get a new one in time , best to rep ok ace. Paying an extra fee to expedite helps.
a year ago
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Bruce **********
Depends on the officer, my advice is get a new one.

You don't want to be turned away.
a year ago
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Burnard ************
What you have shown is not too bad. That being said. You never know what an Immigration Officer will do.

If you travel a lot. It is hard to keep your passport in pristine condition.
a year ago
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Callum **********
Vietnam are usually the only picky ones
a year ago
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Kharn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m in Vietnam currently 🤣
a year ago
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Callum **********
Hell i had a crease or two and they grilled me on that
a year ago
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Callum **********
Fucking hell what you worrying about then??? You passed the hardest test
a year ago
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Kharn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Callum *********
 heard Thailand was extremely strict 🤣
a year ago
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Kharn ********
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Will *********
You are totally ok, I sweat mine way more, it even lost its shape and no one gave me any trouble in about ten countries, I did even added pages (new booklet in) and then I retired it once it expired, no before, hehe
a year ago
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James ********
I’ve had water damage on my passport for five years. Never been denied entry. But if you have time should get a new one.
a year ago
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Rosemary *******
Wet, wear and tear passport is very common found in the frequently travelled people. As long as the entry data and the validation date can be readable, you are fine.
a year ago
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Cole *********
You should be ok if it's last minute travel I would use it. If it's not an emergency and you have some time go get a new one.
a year ago
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Rick ********
Never had a problem ☠️
a year ago
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David *********
I would say green light 👌
a year ago
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Richard **************
Mine is in worse condition and I've not had a problem ... yet.
a year ago
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Paul *******
I had minor water damage with my passport with more than 5 years left until expiry. Went online and got a form to replace damaged passport. The cost is reduced as the replacement still expires the same date ad the damaged passport. Wrnt to the post office and lodged the form as per a normal renewal. If you are a hurry go to the passport office directly. Good luck
a year ago
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Viola ********
The question here should be not about watered stamps but about the entry dates on them🥸The immigration might have questions to you regarding many times return during the year.

The watered stamps are ok. I consulted with the immigration and my embassy, cause my passport is much worse than this, they say, the most important is that your data page is not damaged. But still, it’s always up to the officer 👮‍♀️ same as about your previous entries.
a year ago
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Rhys *****
Mines way worse and have had no issues, entered Thailand 3 times with it along with multiple extensions.
a year ago
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Gareth ********
Just my own experience, but all the stamps are still readable and perfectly clear. Should be fine. Left the UK with one a lot worse and asked immigration on the way out, they laughed and asked why I thought it wouldn't be fine. Every immigration is different but looks good to me.

**edit** and if this is your passport leaving and Thailand have a nice dry page to stamp then should be fine.
a year ago
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คุณไรอัน ******
In cases where your passport is torn, separated, patched, damaged, or burned..., you must immediately notify your nearest consulate for a final decision.
a year ago
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Mike ********
You need a new one
a year ago
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Christopher **********
Put a thin bit of cotton sheet over it and iron it
a year ago
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Tiffany **************
Mine got like this over Covid in Thailand. As long as your most recent stamps are legible, you should be fine!

I’ve also since gotten a Chinese visa and been to China with the same passport, and was also fine.
a year ago
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Michael *******
Seen worse!
a year ago
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Jean-francois *******
Yes , need to get a new one
a year ago
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Jay *****
Travelled with a water damaged passport for years. Chip was fked. Everything was ok
a year ago
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Martin *********
Yeah, definitely stay at home.
a year ago
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Janin ******
Iron it
a year ago
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Benyathip **********
I would say 75% OK 25% will question
a year ago
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Daniel *********************
Use a clothing iron fix that in 2 minutes
a year ago
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Kayzy ********
Try to read the chip with your NFC . If you can't, change your passport.
a year ago
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Kharn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Chip reads fine just checked I’ll try my luck
a year ago
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Kharn ********
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Patrick ********
I would take a chance seen lot worse
a year ago
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Matthew **********
I traveled for years to multiple countries with a water damaged passport, Thailand maybe 40 times, my ID page was fine, loads of stamps were smudged and unreadable, not once did I have any issues, but maybe I was just lucky.
a year ago
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Jelly ******
@Matthew *********
 same. Had 3 passports here, some I carried in my pocked during travels being all humid and leaky. Never had an issue. That being said a mate from UK got stopped and turned back in KL due to some small tare in a page, so I guess you never know
a year ago
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Jelly ******
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Khun ************
Mine had worst water damage than that and they accepted it
a year ago
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Thomas ************
I tell you get a new one I was held up at the immigration for an hour with a passport just like this one. Yes legible but the no like….could be a problem
a year ago
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Jean-Francois ***********
Mine is worst and i travel freely without problems
a year ago
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Wei *******
same
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Jean-Francois **********
 same
a year ago
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Viola ********
@Jean-Francois **********
 same
a year ago
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Viola ********
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John *********
A passport is a legal document so if there is any damage get a new one 🤔
a year ago
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John *********
a year ago
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John *********
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Nick ************
It will be absolutely fine unless they prevent you from boarding or deny you entry.
a year ago
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Todd *********
In a word- yes. be worried. Your passport needs replacing now
a year ago
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Benyathip **********
@Todd ********
 nahhhh this should be fine :) 75% OK 25% may question it IMO
a year ago
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Todd *********
@Benyathip *********
 I agree. But it’s unpredictable where you are going to run into the 25%. Some will definitely allow it. Other places won’t
a year ago
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Todd *********
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Phil ******
@Kharn *******
 new passport or you will be given hard tome and denied boarding the flight
a year ago
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Martin *********
It’s readable .. should be ok
a year ago
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Roberto *********
It's really a matter for your airline to decide if they will accept it. There's no way of telling if the chip is damaged until the passport is scanned
a year ago
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Roberto *********
@Benyathip *********
 Airline will check passport at check-in. They can refuse boarding for a damaged passport
a year ago
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Benyathip **********
@Roberto ********
 immigration care more airline don't look through all pages
a year ago
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Benyathip **********
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Jo **********
every letter and number is clear and legible no running. So it should be fine but no one can guarantee
a year ago
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Brown ********
Looks ok just a little wrinkly. Be ok I reckon
a year ago
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John ******
@Brown *******
 thats what she said last night.
a year ago
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Brown ********
@John *****
 bet the wrinkles ironed out after she got her hands on it
a year ago
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Brown ********
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Graham ******
Any water damage is normally frowned upon, get it changed ASAP.
a year ago
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Declan **********
It's down to each IO, some will be okay with it some will not. Personally I wouldn't risk it.
a year ago
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Declan **********
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