In 2026, a passport is considered "mutilated" or too damaged if its integrity or machine-readability is compromised. Key triggers for rejection at the border include significant water damage (which warps pages or causes ink to bleed), any tears on the data page, or peeling lamination on the photo. Minor "wear and tear"—like slightly frayed edges or a bent cover from sitting in a pocket—is usually acceptable. However, "unofficial markings" (like a child's scribbles or a souvenir stamp from a non-government entity) can render it invalid. Most importantly, if the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)—the two lines of text at the bottom of the photo page—is scratched or smudged, the passport is legally dead for 2026 travel. Border agents increasingly rely on automated scanners; if the chip or the MRZ fails to scan due to a physical defect, you will likely be denied boarding.