DID you know that a drastic change to your appearance could get you stopped at the border?
Even something as simple as a haircut could result in extra questions if you look unrecognisable.
Experts at MoneySuperMarket used footballer Erling Haaland as an example following his recent hairstyle change.
The Norwegian sportsman has been called ‘unrecognisable’ after trading in his long blond locks for a buzzcut.
But a change so drastic could result in travel trouble.
Alicia Hempsted, Travel Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket said: “Haaland’s new haircut is a perfect example of how much a simple change in appearance can make you look totally different.
“While changing your hairstyle does not automatically mean that you need a new passport, looking substantially different from your passport photo could lead to additional checks when boarding a flight or arriving at border control.
“Changes such as growing or shaving off significant facial hair, a major change in hairstyle or colour, or substantial weight loss or gain can all alter the way you look.
“If your appearance has changed significantly since your passport photo was taken, it’s worth checking the latest government guidance well before your trip. This gives you time to replace your passport if necessary, rather than discovering a potential issue when you’re already travelling.”
In another case, one woman was almost stopped from boarding because she looked so different to her passport photo.
In her document, Alisha Maria, an LA beauty blogger had a full face of makeup and a fringe.
But didn’t look the same while travelling ditching her full glam look for no makeup and having her hair up.
In a TikTok video she said: “They almost didn’t let me on my flight because they said I don’t look like my passport.“
In her comments, others had added that they had similar experiences.
One wrote: “They almost didn’t let me back into the US from Australia because I didn’t look like my passport photo and my drivers license had expired.”
Another added: “I had the same issue! I missed my flight due to questioning.”
Passport Rules
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