U.S. Citizen Denied Entry into Poland Due to Handwritten Passport Notes

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U.S. Citizen Denied Entry into Poland Due to Handwritten Passport Notes

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HUFFPOST

APNEWS

U.S. Citizen Denied Entry into Poland Due to Handwritten Passport Notes

Credited from: HUFFPOST

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A U.S. citizen was blocked from entering Poland due to handwritten notes in her passport, according to local border officials. The unidentified traveler arrived at Krakow’s Balice airport on a flight from London just after midnight when she was stopped at passport control.

The passport, which contained handwritten notes of locations and airport names beneath visa stamps from previous travels, raised concerns for the border security staff. Justyna Drozdz, a spokeswoman for the local border security, reported that the woman claimed she was unaware that writing in passports or ID documents was not allowed. She is currently at the airport awaiting a return flight to London on Thursday.

As a general rule, it is not permissible for passport holders to write in their passports, except for providing a signature or necessary emergency contacts. Airlines as well as immigration officials frequently deny boarding or entry if they suspect a passport has been damaged or defaced. The incident raises questions as to why border officials at other airports had not previously challenged the integrity of her passport, leading to her unexpected denial of entry in Poland.