Archive · 2 Sep 2025
UAE Airlines Warn: Damaged Passports May Cause Boarding Issues
If your passport is damaged, even with a valid visa, you might not be allowed to fly.
Airlines in the UAE and other countries are very careful about passports.
If your passport is ripped, has water damage, or its chip doesn't work, you could be stopped at the airport.
Airlines check passports before you board the plane to make sure they meet entry rules.
Countries like the UAE, Indonesia, and the US have strict rules.
Even small issues, like a tiny tear, can cause problems.
To avoid trouble, protect your passport from damage and renew it when it starts to wear out.
Travellers may be denied boarding if their passport is damaged, even with a valid visa.
Airlines and immigration in the UAE and other countries are strict about passport condition.
Damage includes frayed edges, water damage, torn pages, or faulty chips.
Passengers flying from UAE airports may be stopped at check-in.
Authorities recommend renewing passports at the first signs of wear to prevent travel disruptions.
- Who
- Travellers
- What
- May be denied boarding due to damaged passports
- When
- Currently
- Where
- UAE and key destinations (Indonesia, Thailand, USA, Australia)
- Why
- Airlines and immigration authorities are increasingly strict about passport condition.
- Affected Airlines
- UAE airlines
- Affected Destinations
- UAE, Indonesia, Thailand, United States, Australia
- Damage Types
- Frayed edges, water damage, torn pages, faulty chips
- Consequence
- Denied boarding or entry
- Recommendation
- Renew passports at first sign of wear
- Advice
- Keep passports dry, use protective covers, avoid mishandling