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I know there have been similar questions as listed below.

My question is for a specific type of damage which I believe requires a separate consideration.

My old passport binding and booklet is separated. Though it is separated, I have both with me. Apart from this there are no other issues. The passport first 2 pages, last 2 pages and US visa is absolutely readable without any issues.

I have applied for a fresh passport as I'm not allowed to travel in damaged passport.

Question

Is it okay to travel to US from India by carrying the new passport and old passport(which has US visa) with binding off?

I'm in a dilemma because I read the following FAQ Question and Answer in US Embassy website.

Question: My passport has expired or been damaged. However, I still have a valid U.S. visa in the passport. May I use the visa?

Answer: If the photo page on your passport has been damaged (e.g. has become detached, or looks like it may become detached, from the rest of the passport), please apply for a new visa in a new passport, submitting both the damaged and new passport in support of your application.

In my case, photo page is not torn/separated from the rest of the passport pages but separated from the outer binding.

It would be really helpful if someone with a similar situation travelled successfully without any issues reply.

HelpMatters
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In my experience one should avoid applying for a new US visa as much as possible if one has an existing visa (In September 1999 I applied for a new USA visa about a week before my existing visa expired, and I was denied. Consular officers can be very unpredictable and anything can happen in an interview. What if you get denied? At the visa interview they tend to evaluate you all over again, they will not just slap a new visa in your passport because you have a viable one in your damaged passport.

After reviewing your case, I still believe you are fine. What I would do in your case is attach the two parts together using something very subtle like invisible super glue. Don't forget the immigration officers at the airport are human beings.

There are three things which can happen if you follow my suggestion:

  1. They do not even notice the damage in the old passport, and simply let you through -GOOD
  2. They notice the previously damaged passport, but do not bother and let you through - GOOD
  3. They notice the previously damaged passport and make a fuss about it - BAD

Of the three things which could happen, two are good and even the third which is bad is unlikely to lead to you being refused entry. It will take a very mean immigration officer to return you to India for something as minor as a genuine visa in a damaged passport.

Dress professionally, be polite and project an air of respectful confidence and you should be okay.

Augustine of Hippo
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