I almost got a travel fine in Europe for one reason — here's what to look out for

I was allowed to enter "this time" but will receive a fine the next time

By now, I wouldn't say I am new to travelling. I have visited almost every continent in the past two years, and it has been relatively plain sailing - that is, until recently. At the beginning of this month, I travelled to Los Angeles, California, in America.

But with high ticket prices, it was cheaper for me to travel to Europe before embarking on my journey to the States. The plan was simple: fly two hours to Munich, Germany, have a two-hour layover before heading to LAX.

This was not my first time entering Germany, nor was it my first time entering a European country since the very strict travel systems were implemented.

On October 12, 2025, the European Union started the Entry/Exit System (EES). According to Gov.uk, this is a "new digital border system that has changed requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area.

"[The] EES is designed to improve border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries, and reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area. It automates border control checks to help the EU stop visitors [from] overstaying."

Since the EES has been implemented, I have travelled to Luxembourg (once in November 2025) and the Netherlands (twice in 2026) and have had no problems with entering.

However, my stop off in Munich could not have been any more stressful. Despite not having to provide my fingerprints or take a photo, I was almost denied travel to the States and threatened with a fine for one thing: my passport.

Now, many of you reading this may be thinking, "What on earth is the problem?" and "Should I worry? Well, to be honest, the answer is complicated: yes...and no.

I am a certified numpty, but hear me out. Before 2023, I had not left the UK, so travelling was a foreign idea to me, which I had not expected to ever experience. After losing my provisional license on a night out, I opted to use my passport for any ID needs.

My reckless younger self forgot to check her pockets before proceeding to wash and tumble-dry her British passport. Luckily, my passport came out relatively unscathed, with just a few wrinkly pages, small tears at the bottom, and a faded front cover, but no major damage.

My photo, biometric data, and information are still clear and identifiable, and fortunately, I have been able to travel to eight countries since then, with it being a little running gag in certain countries that my passport has clearly been in the washing machine.

However, my stopover in Munich was quite confrontational. The gentleman at the little border control before you are allowed to proceed to the waiting area stopped me.

He stated: "Miss, I am allowing you to enter this time, but I am going to put your name in the system." He further explained: "Your passport needs to be changed, so once you get to the UK, you need to get a new one. If you attempt to travel with this passport again, you will be fined."

My heart completely sank. Yes, I am aware my passport is damaged, but at this point, I have entered Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Marrakesh, and Amsterdam - strict cities that I would expect to have a problem, if so, but didn't.

So to my surprise, my neighbouring country had the issue. Gov.uk states that a damaged passport is one that the customer cannot use as proof of identity because of its condition. Damage can include:

• When the personal details or observation page are unreadable
• Laminate peeling or lifting away from the personal details page
• Unreadable security details
• Missing or detached pages
• Where the front, back or personal details page has been cut
• Damage or discolouration to any part of the passport caused by water, chemical or ink spills, tears, rips, or bite marks

However, due to my consistent success in travelling, I assumed my passport just suffered from the usual wear and tear. Signs of normal wear and tear are when:

• The personal details page of the passport is legible (readable)
• There is no obvious trace of amendments or tampering
• The binding is intact
• The laminate is secure
• There are minor tears around the edges of pages or the cover (indicating normal use)
• There is only slight water damage to the page edges (crinkling or curling)
• There are minor scratches on the personal details page on a blue e-Passport
• The personal details page is bent on a blue e-Passport

Regardless of my opinion on the state of my passport, airlines have the final say. According to Booking.com: "Airlines have a responsibility regarding passport conditions.

"If they allow you to fly with an invalid document and you're denied entry on arrival, they may face fines and costs for your return journey. That's why gate agents sometimes refuse boarding even when the damage appears minimal. If you do make it onto your flight, border control at your destination has the final say.

"Their assessment is decisive: If your passport appears compromised, they may detain you briefly, refuse entry, and require you to return on the next available flight. This could mean disrupted travel plans, financial losses, and significant inconvenience.

"Whilst a damaged passport might not prevent you from boarding a plane, it can certainly prevent you from entering a country."

Nonetheless, I was allowed entry into the US without any problems and was able to enjoy my holiday. Even on the way back home, I encountered no issues, but I will not take that risk again. Heed my words and take extra precautions the next time you travel.