About your passport...

[Note: Even if you don't have a passport I encourage you to read this.]

Recently, a family had their vacation ruined because one of their passports had a crease in the cover. Sounds silly, right?

Last month my wife and I applied for new passports to replace our expiring ones. As I read the detailed instructions on how to do this I noticed a question about the condition of my expiring passport. Normally you can just send in your passport directly via the postal service, but if your passport has specific types of wear or damage, you may have to physically present it for review.

My passport definitely had damage so I called to clarify what I should do. Even though there was real damage they determined it was 'normal wear and tear' and I could apply without the passport needing physical inspection first. I made a mental note that this seemed pretty subjective but sent in our passports and received the new ones with no problem.

This made me think: There's something about having a passport with extra pages, lots of entry/exit stamps, visas from exotic lands, and a cover that is well broken in, to make you feel like a real traveler. My well worn passport silently proclaimed to any official holding it that I'm not a newbie. (Vanity...)

But, being an experienced traveler means absolutely nothing to Customs or Homeland Security if my passport gives them pause. The agent has real authority to decide whether I may leave my nation, enter/leave their nation, or get back into mine.

Customs officials are human beings. Therefore, even though there are rules and regulations they all must follow and enforce, they also make instant judgements about my behavior, demeanor, speech, breathing, skin moisture, nervousness (or lack), etc., any one of which might be a flag to detain me. It's up to me to remove as many potential flags as possible, and one thing I can control is the condition of my passport.

Earlier I mentioned the family was detained due to a crease in a passport cover. I thought this was kind of silly, but the crease was a concern because of possible damage to the 'chip' embedded in the cover. (article)

That chip is crucial to any official clearing you for entry or exit. The information they need about you is on that chip and is scanned. If that chip is broken or acts sporadically you will probably have an unpleasant experience.

So, I'll take my brand new passport, with all it's newness and very stiff cover, and treat it like the precious thing it is.

And, always check to make certain your passport expiration date is at least three to six months from when you leave the nation you're traveling to. Check the rules.

Happy traveling!