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How do I find out what the possible trouble with my passport is?

by William
(Guilderland, NY)

Question: When checking in at Albany International Airport (ALB) last month for a five-day vacation in Grand Cayman, the check in agent at the counter scanned my passport, looked questionably at it, and called over a supervisor. The supervisor looked at it for several minutes and finally gave me my boarding pass. I asked what the problem was, but he did not tell me; however, he said I may have problems traveling in the future. I do not know why he would not tell me.


In coming back from Grand Cayman, I encountered a similar incident going through customs at Charlotte, but this time the customs agent waved me through much faster. Since my wife and I are planning a future cruise to Australia, I do not need any surprises. Thanks for your help.

Answer: There are several reasons that you passport data could have caused the delays. The most common is that your name is the same as another person who is on the Department of Homeland Security's watch list.

The Department of Homeland Security has created the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) for "people who have been denied or delayed airline boarding; have been denied or delayed entry into or exit from the U.S. at a port of entry or border crossing; or have been repeatedly referred to additional (secondary) screening can file an inquiry to seek redress."

To evaluate whether this program would be helpful for you, click the link below.

Should I Use DHS TRIP?

Comments for How do I find out what the possible trouble with my passport is?

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Passport issues
by: Anonym

Question: I was traveling to Rome and my passport would not scan. Had to wait in line for 2 hours for an agent to check it. When I asked the problem he just shrugged his shoulders.
It’s very frustrating to go through this.
How can I find out what the problem could be?
Coming home same issue.

Answer: The issue is likely the RFID chip embedded in your passport. If it is functioning well, your passport will scan even before you reach the counter, and since it did not, the officials needed to check the passport manually.

You may continue to encounter this issue whenever you travel if you do not get the passport replaced. Getting a replacement for a damaged passport is just like applying for the first time. You have to submit a new application.

New Passport Requirements

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