Indian passport with two missing (ripped out) pages – should I get a new one to enter the US?

5/18/2015 10:32:46 AM

In my opinion, when in doubt it’s always better to err on the safe side and get a new passport. Last thing you want to happen is to get bounced back at immigration checks due to a damaged passport. Quoting from my other answer on the topic:

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.

You are in luck though as you can apply for an urgent replacement under the Tatkaal scheme, since, according to the Indian definition of damaged passports, yours isn’t damaged beyond recognition. Indeed, quoting from 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

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.

5/18/2015 9:38:01 AM

Missing pages generally invalidate a passport. Depending on how cleanly they were removed, a casual inspection might not notice, but if noticed, you will at the very least be in for some heavy questioning, and may be denied boarding/entry. Applying for a new passport is strongly advisable.

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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