As we know, if you want to travel internationally, you must have a valid passport. A passport is the only acceptable document that allows you to enter other countries except the Schengen area, where you must first obtain a Schengen visa. However, if you are traveling to other international countries, such as flying from Canada to Singapore, you must have a valid passport on board. Well, since passports are so important to everyone, not everyone can get a passport in their country. In this article, we will help you figure out who may not be able to get a passport in the world.
False or missing important information on the application form
Each country has its own strict passport application requirements. One of the main reasons why you can get your passport is the lack of any kind of vital information, such as the wrong name, address and numbers, when you fill out application forms. Then your passport application will be rejected by the officials and you can’t get the passport. For example, U.S. citizens must complete Form DS-11; Canadian citizens should download the Adult Passport Application (PPTC 153) (PDF, 1.7 MB).
Lack of citizen proof
While applying for a passport, you must provide the relevant required valid information and materials. If you don’t have an ID card, driver’s license, birth certification or other ID documents that prove your nationality, you are not allowed to apply for a passport. For example, you must have British citizenship to apply for or hold a British passport. The Canadian government can refuse to issue a passport to a person who is not a Canadian citizen. Therefore, you need to provide as many realistic and valid documents as possible to help you through the application.
Payment failure
Yes, you must complete your passport application payment. Some applications will not be submitted until you have successfully paid the application fee. Make sure you can pay for it correctly and let the application go through. For example, if you are applying for a Singapore passport, you need to pay an online fee of SGD70, while a fee of SGD80 is required if you are applying through a Singapore Overseas Mission. Right now, most people choose to pay online, so prepare enough money for your card to avoid a failed payment.
Incorrect picture
Another common reason why you may not get your passport is that you don’t provide a compliant passport photo. Each country has its own passport photo rules in size and background color. For example, the correct U.S. passport photo size is 2 x 2 inches and the background must be white. The Singapore passport photo is 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. The size of a Canadian passport photo is 35 mm in width and 45 mm in height with color or black and white. In fact, there are other common unqualified photo reasons, such as closed eyes, open mouths and wearing headphones or non-prescription glasses, etc. Therefore, you need to make sure that the picture you submit follows strict guidelines. Usually, you go to a nearby photo shop, or local post office to take a photo, or take a photo at home and upload it on AiPassportPhotos to get your passport-compliant photo.
Legal Reasons
Of course, your passport application will be refused if you are involved in the following situations.
Violent Crimes
Passports are usually refused because of a felony. For example, the U.S. government will reject passport applications if they have arrest warrants for felonies committed abroad. If an applicant is charged with murder, assault with a weapon, aggravated sexual assault, crimes against humanity/war crimes/genocide, etc., the Canadian government may refuse to issue a passport. When you’re suspected of a serious crime and an arrest warrant has been issued in British, your passport application will be rejected or your existing passport will be taken away. If you’re on bail, and it also means you cannot leave the UK.
Drug Offenses
Applicants who have been convicted of a drug felony are not allowed to apply for a passport in most countries. What’s more, the U.S. government refuses passport applications for those who attempt to cross international borders to commit crimes. Decided by the Secretary of State, this denial can also be influenced by misdemeanors that may involve drugs.
Debts and Loans
Another reason for passport denial is when a person has outstanding government loans or debts. Applicants who have not repaid their government loans are not allowed to leave the country. In the United States, applicants and their spouses, children, or other family members will not be granted a passport. And in the UK, you’ve been brought back even if you ran out of the country.
Child Support Arrears
Another obstacle to your passport application is child support. If you owe money on child support, you’re rejected to get a passport. You must pay all the money to support your child through an appropriate state agency before applying for a passport. In the United States, applicants who owe more than $2,500 will not be allowed to apply for a passport.
Minors and Incompetents
Passports may be refused to minors and incapacitated persons under 16 years of age if their parents or legal guardians are not present during the passport application process. In this way, they can protect minors from abduction or custody arguments, and avoid their parents taking their children abroad or abandoning their children. In the UK, a passport for a child can also be canceled or not renewed if there’s a court order stopping him or her from leaving the UK, which also applies on adults.
Conclusion
All in all, we hope you can get all this information right the first time to save time and get your passport done as quickly as possible. In addition, you need to know that passports belong to the government and can be canceled or withdrawn at any time. Be a good citizen who follows the rules and the laws. This way, you can take your passport and travel anywhere in the world as you wish.
Dolores Xiao