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It’s important to make sure you know your passport is in mint condition before travelling as many people don’t realise they could be permitted from entering the country

When going on holiday there are a few important things to remember such as your passport and visa – but few people know one mistake that could stop them from entering a country.

Many people check their passport expiry date before travelling, making sure it’s got enough time on it before it runs out, but most people don’t realise the condition of their passport can be just as important.

According to Experience Travel Group passports with worn corners, tears, water damage or even loose pages can result in refusal of entry even if your passport is still valid and your visa approved.

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The experts say your passport isn’t just a form of identification, it’s a legal travel document and border officials are trained to look for signs of damage, tampering, or wear and tear that could make a passport unreadable or raise doubts about its authenticity.

“What many travellers don’t realise is that immigration officers have the final say at the border. Even with a valid visa and an in-date passport, an officer can still refuse you entry if they believe the document is damaged. Airlines also carry out checks before boarding and can deny travel altogether if they suspect your passport will be rejected on arrival,” they explained.

This means a damaged passport can therefore be just as harmful as an expired one and even minor flaws such as smudges, bent corners or faded pages can derail your journey.

There are some countries which are stricter than others. These include:

• Indonesia: Travellers have been turned away at the border over tears as small as a centimetre. Even with a valid visa, any damage to the passport can lead to immediate deportation or refusal of entry. In some cases, passengers were denied boarding at their departure airport when airline staff spotted minor damage.
• Thailand and Vietnam: These countries have also denied entry to passengers whose passports appeared dirty, water stained or had peeling laminate. Border officers treat any visible damage to the photo page especially seriously, as it can interfere with identity checks. Travellers have been put on the next flight home in such cases.
• United States: US border officers rely heavily on biometric scanning and machine-readable zones. If the passport chip cannot be read, or if the data page is scratched, smudged, or water damaged, the document may be deemed invalid. Even if the chip works, visible physical damage may be treated as suspicious and raise concerns about tampering.
• Australia: Travellers are advised not to attempt travel with a significantly damaged passport, including torn or missing pages, or visible damage to the cover or spine. Airlines flying to any destination may deny boarding if they believe the passport could be rejected on arrival, to avoid complications or penalties.
• United Arab Emirates: The UAE has some of the most rigorous border checks in the world. Passports with loose binding, detached pages or deep creases are often refused. Travellers have reported being stopped from boarding in their departure country when airlines identified likely issues for UAE immigration.
• Airline checks: Airlines act as the first line of defence, as they face penalties for carrying passengers with unacceptable documents. As a result, even minor tears or stains have led to boarding refusals. Travellers have been denied flights because of small rips, coffee stains or faint watermarks on their passports.

It may seem extreme, but passports contain advanced security features, including chips, holograms and machine-readable codes so damage to these elements can make it difficult for scanners to confirm the document’s authenticity. Border officers also look out for tampering and forgery and a tear, water spills or a separated spine could suggest that the passport has been altered.

Even if the damage is innocent, officials are unlikely to take the risk particularly in countries with strict immigration controls. According to Experience Travel Group: “Travel should be about discovery and relaxation, not unexpected setbacks at the border. By taking just a few minutes to check the condition of your passport before departure, you can avoid a ruined trip. It’s a small precaution that makes a huge difference.”

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A man shared his outraged after being asked to move plane seats so a young boy could look out the window – but he argues it’s unfair because he paid extra for the view

When it comes to travelling overseas, most people make sure to pre-book the best seat possible on their flight. That’s exactly why one man decided to spend an extra £200 on a window seat when travelling to Brazil to visit his family.

After sitting down and getting comfortable in his spot, he was soon approached by another passenger who asked him he give up his window seat for his son. Detailing the incident on Reddit, he recalled: “This stranger who was seated on the middle plane seats across from me with his child asked me if I could give up my window seat for his kid. I said, ‘Sorry, but no. I paid an extra 200 for this seat’.”

Expecting the father to understand, he was met instead with a persistent “glare”, prompting an internal reaction: “In my head I said, ‘Okay f*** you too!’ And went back listening to my music while looking out the window.”

The situation escalated when a flight attendant tapped him on the shoulder with the same request.

He firmly showed the cabin crew his ticket and payment receipt, resolutely stating: “I pulled out my ticket and the receipt I got when I paid extra for the window seat and told her, ‘No, I paid extra for window seat’.

“She said, ‘Okay, sorry to bother you sir’. I saw her walk back to him and say, ‘no’ for me. “

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Annoyed, the dad glared at him again – believing he was being unreasonable and unkind to his son by refusing to move.

Commenting on his post, one user said: “I used to fly for work every few weeks. It was pretty common for this to happen.

“I did the exact same thing. If I paid extra for a seat, I said no. If I was just changing seats so family could sit next to each other, and they were polite, I usually switched.”

They continued: “Didn’t matter to me. Just the politeness. I was going to read most of the time anyway. If they were rude I just said no and stuck my head in a book.”

Another user chimed in: “When I flew alone I really didn’t care where I sat and didn’t pay extra for a pre-chosen seat. But if you do care about sitting together then pay more and don’t harass other people to give up their seat for you.”

A third user suggested: “If a situation like this happens again, let them know that there is a £500 surcharge in order for you to move.”

Yet another user added: “What on Earth is it with flight stewardesses asking someone that? Like no, you paid for your seat stop complaining!”

Cornwall’s Sandymouth Bay Beach is stunning and serene, but thanks to its steep access, tourists often skip it, leaving a peaceful paradise for those in the know

Tucked away just 15 minutes from the Cornish town of Bude lies Sandymouth Bay Beach, a serene stretch of coastline that’s as breathtaking as it is under-visited. The reason? A notoriously steep walk from the car park means many tourists simply give it a miss.

But for those willing to brave the slope, Sandymouth offers a peaceful escape with far fewer crowds than nearby beaches. Managed by the National Trust, this wild gem boasts soaring cliffs, golden sand, and dramatic views.

At low tide, the beach stretches out into a vast expanse of rippled sand, perfect for dog walkers, picnics, and peaceful reflection. The beach is dog-friendly year-round, so four-legged companions are more than welcome.

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Towering rock formations and tidal pools give it a rugged, otherworldly feel that’s perfect for explorers. Keen-eyed visitors might even spot the remains of an old shipwreck half-buried in the sand.

There’s a seasonal café at the top for a pre or post-beach treat, while the nearby Holiday Park offers food, drink and shelter just a 10-minute stroll away. Toilets are available too, making it a manageable day out even if it is remote.

Though popular with surfers, Sandymouth is best enjoyed at mid to low tide, as high tide leaves very little sand and few waves. Lifeguards patrol the beach between May and September, adding an extra layer of safety.

The walk down might be steep, but it comes with unforgettable views across the bay. It’s the kind of approach that builds anticipation, and the reward is more than worth it.

At low tide, you can walk the two-mile route to Crooklets Beach, discovering curious coastal wildlife along the way. Look out for the sandcastle worm’s honeycomb-like homes tucked in the rocks.

Photographers will love the ever-changing light against the cliffs, particularly at golden hour, when the whole beach glows. With fewer people around, there’s a real sense of solitude and calm.

For families wanting to escape the bustle, Sandymouth’s quiet charm is a dream come true. The absence of arcades and ice cream vans makes it feel blissfully old-school.

It’s also a favourite for wild swimmers and sea lovers craving a more authentic coastal experience. You’re more likely to spot a seal than a sunlounger here.

Interestingly, the curious honeycomb patterns seen on the rocks are made by sabellaria alveolata, also known as the sandcastle worm, a tiny builder of coastal art. It’s just one of the many hidden wonders that make Sandymouth so unique.

The access might put some off, but that’s what makes it special, a hidden haven for those in the know. It’s one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets, and long may it stay that way.