A year ago, a TikTok influencer highlighted an issue that has since echoed among many travellers. Reportedly, she was detained for almost an hour by six airport security officers in Türkiye because her passport photo, which was taken before she had extensive cosmetic surgery and fillers, did not resemble her present appearance.
Since the photograph was taken, she has undergone several cosmetic enhancements including breast implants, dental veneers, chin and lip fillers, rhinoplasty, and fat-dissolving treatments. Additionally, her hair has seen a significant transformation, going from platinum blonde to a lengthy ash-blonde augmented with extensions.
After landing, the security staff advised, “You need to have this rectified as it bears no resemblance to you, which is likely the reason you’re being stopped frequently.” Although her passport was valid for another year, she was required to pay for a new one.
Her experience ignited a flurry of responses, mainly from women, recounting comparable incidents at airports globally. A woman remarked on TikTok, “The Turkish immigration cameras at passport control detect even the smallest alterations—I’ve had just my nose done, and they always question me,” adding, “Given that it’s a common destination for surgery, they really need to address this issue.”
Other travellers reported similar issues in Cape Verde and Singapore, with one stating they “had to pull up pictures from before filler” during questioning.
You must update your passport photo when applying for a new passport, even if your appearance has not changed. The photo must be taken within the last month to ensure it reflects your current appearance. Additionally, a passport photo change is required if you have undergone significant changes to your appearance, such as weight loss, plastic surgery, or gender transition, which make you unrecognizable from your existing photo.
In Europe, the demand for botox and fillers is increasing, with an anticipated market growth of 4.8% for botox and 6.3% for fillers by 2030, as reported by Fortune Business Insights. Nevertheless, there is a lack of awareness regarding the possible travel complications that can arise from these cosmetic enhancements.
Experts recommend that if you have undergone surgery recently and need to travel, you should consider requesting a note from your doctor that explains any changes in your appearance.