A Queensland couple’s dream getaway to Bali hit a sour note when a coffee stain on a passport prevented them from boarding their Virgin Australia flight.
Sean Ferres and his girlfriend Brooke were ready to head off on holiday when Virgin Australia refused to let them board due to the stain on the corner of Brooke’s passport. The stain was described by Ferres on social media as “microscopic”, but it was enough to derail their plans.
The couple was ultimately left scrambling, paying $3,000 for next-day Jetstar flights, which accepted Brooke’s passport without issue, Yahoo reported.
The story serves as a stark reminder to check your passport’s condition before leaving home. However, in some cases, travel insurance can help when mishaps strike, especially if they happen during your trip, says Comparetravelinsurance.com.au Director Natalie Ball.
“In some instances, travel insurance can help to recoup the fees to replace your damaged travel documents along with any additional out-of-pocket expenses,” she explains.
“For instance, if your passport is damaged while you are overseas, and you are refused boarding as a result, travel insurance may cover the cost to replace your lost or stolen passport along with any reasonable additional travel expenses.”
But it’s worth noting that even minor damage can cause significant travel issues, especially to popular destinations like Indonesia and Thailand, which have both recently tightened their immigration checks.
“Bear in mind, each country’s levels of acceptable passport damage will vary. Sometimes a small rip can be enough to refuse entry,” Ball says.
“Other destinations may be more relaxed as long as the identification page is intact and there is at least one page left to stamp.”
Guidelines will also vary between airlines. If a carrier allows a passenger to board with a damaged passport, they can face hefty fines from the destination country.
“Each airline will have its own guidelines, and some will be stricter than others. It’s highly recommended that you check your passport well in advance of travelling, and get in touch with the Australian Passport Office if you have any doubts,” Ball states.
Ultimately, cover may depend on the specific damages incurred to your document, so it’s crucial travellers protect their paperwork.
“Your passport is an incredibly valuable document and should be treated as such. Have a good look through it once you’ve booked your airfares and take note of any potential damages,” Ball remarks.
“When travelling, always keep it within reach or in a locked security box. While travel insurance can help in certain instances, it’s really up to you to look after your belongings.”
And if you’re stranded overseas, “contact your local Australian embassy as soon as you can, who will be able to reissue you with an emergency passport”.
“Note that this is usually only a temporary document with certain restrictions,” Ball says.
To avoid any potential complications, Comparetravelinsurance.com.au suggests travellers at least check for damage, check expiry dates (for a minimum validity of six months), check visas (and ensure they’re also undamaged), leave a photocopy of your passport behind with someone you trust, and take photos of your important documents.
