Picture this: You’re at the airport, ready for your international trip. Your bags are packed, your itinerary is set, and your excitement is through the roof—until you’re told you can’t board your flight. The reason? Your passport.
At U.S. Passport Service Guide, we want to help you avoid this nightmare by helping you be better prepared.
Here are the five most common passport problems that could stop you from traveling—and how to make sure they don’t happen to you.
#1. No Passport
Let’s start with the most obvious mistake: not having a passport. If you’re traveling internationally and don’t have your passport, you’re not going anywhere.
You might be thinking, Who forgets their passport? But it happens more often than you’d think. Before you leave for the airport, double-check that your passport is packed and ready to use.
Some travelers assume they don’t need a passport for trips to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico or certain cruises. While that’s technically true, carrying your passport is always a smart idea—especially in case of an emergency.
Take what happened on August 3, 2024: American Airlines Flight 2421 from Puerto Rico to Miami was diverted to the Bahamas due to severe weather. Since the Bahamas is not a U.S. territory, passengers without passports were stranded for hours, unable to leave the gate until a new flight was arranged.
Lesson learned: Always pack your passport, even if you don’t think you need it. And for extra security, keep a digital copy on your phone.
#2. Expired Passport
Just because you have a passport doesn’t mean it’s valid. If your passport is expired, you won’t be able to board your international flight—period.
It doesn’t matter if your trip was planned months in advance. Airlines won’t let you board, and border officials won’t let you in.
What to do: Check your passport’s expiration date as soon as you start planning your trip. If it’s within six months of expiring, don’t take the risk—renew it! Passport processing times can take weeks or even months, especially during peak travel seasons.
If you’re in a time crunch, we recommend you schedule an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency or hire a trusted expediting service that can get you a valid passport as soon as the same day. Check out our guide here: How to Get an Emergency Passport Renewal in 72 Hours or Less.
#3. Insufficient Validity
Even if your passport hasn’t expired, some countries have strict validity rules that might still prevent you from traveling.
Certain destinations—like Thailand, China, Fiji, and Ecuador—require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Others, such as many European countries, have a three-month validity rule. Why? It’s a way for countries to ensure travelers don’t overstay their welcome.
Before you fly: Always check your destination’s passport validity requirements. The last thing you want is to find out at the airport that your passport isn’t valid long enough for your trip abroad.
#4. Damaged Passport
Think a small tear or water stain on your passport isn’t a big deal? Think again.
Airline officials and border agents need to clearly read every detail on your passport. If your passport is damaged or the information appears altered, you could be flagged—and denied boarding.
Here are the most common passport damages that can get you rejected:
- Water stains (especially over the photo or personal details)
- Torn pages
- Unofficial markings or alterations
- Pages stuck together
- Moldy spots
- A broken passport cover
To protect your passport, use a protective case and keep it dry. If you notice any serious damage, replace it immediately. Need help? Check out our full guide on replacing a damaged passport: The Complete Damaged Passport Replacement Guide.
Need some recommendations for protective passport cases and covers? Check out: 5 Best GPS Trackable Travel Wallets for Traveling Abroad.
#5. No Visa (When Required)
A valid passport alone isn’t always enough—some countries require a travel visa for entry, too.
Countries like China, India, and Brazil have visa requirements for U.S. citizens, and these visas aren’t issued at the airport. You’ll need to apply in advance—which can take weeks or even months depending on the country and visa type.
What to do: As soon as you book your trip, check the visa requirements for your destination. Not having the right visa can get you turned away at the airport—or worse, at the border. Nobody wants that.
Bonus: Not Enough Visa Pages
Here’s a lesser-known issue that can still cause problems: some countries require at least two blank visa pages in your passport for entry.
While this isn’t as common, it’s an issue in countries like South Africa, Portugal, and India.
Before you travel: Take a quick look at your passport’s visa pages. If you’re running out of space, you’ll need a new passport before your trip.
Final Check Before You Fly
These passport problems may seem small, but they can completely derail your travel plans. Before heading to the airport, take a few minutes to check:
- You have your passport packed
- It’s not expired (and valid for at least 6 months if needed)
- It’s in good condition with no significant damage
- You have the right visa for your destination
- You have enough blank visa pages
Planning ahead can save you time and stress, and prevent a ruined trip abroad!
Need more passport tips? Check out our guides on passport renewal, expedited services, and visa requirements to make sure your international travels go smoothly.
