Travel Document Problems: What Can You Ignore?
Passports and the paperwork that decides whether you board at all.
Sorted by how urgent they actually are
Don't ignore
- Can I Ignore a Damaged Passport?Verdict: DON'T IGNORENo—not for international travel. The State Department says damaged U.S. passports cannot be used for travel and need replacement; ordinary wear such as small bends or slight edge fraying is different.
- Can I Ignore a Passport That Expires in Less Than 6 Months?Verdict: DON'T IGNOREDo not assume an unexpired passport will work. Each destination—and sometimes a transit country—sets its own validity requirement, so an airline may deny boarding before the printed expiration date. Renew if any part of your itinerary requires more validity than you have.