passport problem

[jwm1984]

hi people im going skiing 20th of jan. Just went to check to make sure it is stil in date and it was only thing was and i am a little confussed there is a small burn hole in it which
travels through most pages and the photo page. It is small but i am a little worried as it takes 1 month to get a new one. what do you think?? many thanks

[237SJ]

If I was you I would phone the passport office when you can. You need a definitive answer on that. I would think it`s ok providing the hole doesn`t go anywhere near the picture or blocks out any of the details. I think the Post Office do a fast track service for £8 if you end up needing a new one.

[Buenchico]

Firstly, assuming that you hold a UK passport, there are two fast-track processes available to you. ('One week' and 'one day'). So you can get a passport with plenty of time to spare:
http://www.direct.gov...pplications/DG_174149

My own passport is covered in coffee stains (including the photo page). It's been given some odd looks by passport officials but I've had no real problems with entering or leaving the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Slovakia with it.

So you might be OK to travel with your existing passport but it would seem to be unwise to take the risk.

Chris

[ummmm]

When I renewed my passport I had it back in less than a week.

[boxtops]

Best to phone them when they are back at work next week, IMO.

[Buenchico]

Sorry, but I can see no point whatsoever in asking the Identity and Passport Service (a.k.a. the Passport Office) about whether your passport would be accepted.

The IPS works independently of the UK Border Agency, whose staff actually inspect the passports of people entering the UK. Further they have no control over the policies adopted by airline staff, who are required to check passengers' passports. Most of all, though, they will absolutely no idea of the policies which will be exercised by immigration staff in other countries.

Chris