Indian Passport first page ripped – is this considered 'damaged'?

12/18/2014 9:23:22 PM

Be Safe: Get a New Passport

I think it is better to err on the safe side here and get a replacement passport. Whilst it might be a minor damage, page rips aren’t usually considered as wear from normal usage.

Identify a Damaged Passport

I checked the definitions of damaged passports and there seems to be a common denominator across countries. A distinction is made between normal wear and damage. Turns out that significant tears are not considered normal wear. Quoting from the US Department of State, Bureau of Foreign Affairs website:

If your passport has been significantly damaged, especially the book cover or the page displaying your personal data and photo, you will need to apply for a new passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages (torn out), a hole punch, or other injuries.

Normal wear of a U.S. passport is expected and likely does not constitute "damage."  For instance normal wear includes the bend of a passport after being carried in your back pocket or fanning of the visa pages after extensive opening and closing.

Indian Regulation

According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Consular, Passport and Visa Division:

Q1: What is the definition of damaged passport?

A: Damaged passport is classified further based on the extent of damage, i.e.:

  • Damaged Passport – Passport number is readable, name is legible and photo is intact

  • Damaged beyond recognition

Luckily enough though, because yours is not extensively damaged, you can apply for an urgent replacement passport under the Tatkaal scheme:

Q6: My passport booklet is damaged. I want to go abroad on urgent basis. What should I do?

A: In case your passport has not been damaged beyond recognition, i.e. passport number is legible, name is legible and photo is intact, then you can apply for re-issue of passport under the Tatkaal scheme. But, if passport has been damaged beyond recognition, then you cannot apply under the Tatkaal scheme. In that case, you need to visit Passport Officer at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra to get the passport on urgent basis.

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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