Australian radio host ‘in tears’ over single passport mistake

Radio host Fifi Box has recalled the moment she thought her overseas holiday would be over before it began, after a small mishap on her daughter’s passport.

Australian radio host Fifi Box has revealed how a tiny detail on her passport almost cost her an overseas holiday to Fiji.

Ahead of her flight to the popular holiday destination, the 45-year-old mother-of-two revealed on her radio show, Melbourne’s 101.9 The Fox Fifi, Fev & Nick on Monday, that she had “checked everything” in the lead-up to the holiday.

But a small amount of water on her three-year-old daughter’s passport was deemed unacceptable by the airline, and as a result was told she couldn’t board the plane.

“She came back and she said, ‘Unfortunately one of your passports is water damaged and that won’t be accepted,’” Box said.

Radio host Fifi Box said she was left in tears when she was told by airline staff her daughter couldn’t travel because of a slightly damaged passport. Picture: Instagram @fifi_box

The radio host explained she had a minor “meltdown” – and they were allowed on the plane simply because Fiji immigration is a little more lenient when it comes to wear and tear on passports. But other destinations, such as Bali, would have absolutely knocked back the passport on arrival, she said.

“She [the airline worker] came back and said, ‘Look, if it was Bali, no way. Indonesia won’t let you in with that passport, but Fiji will,’’ Ms Box said, adding she was “tearing up” that they might miss out on their holiday.

Fifi Box said to use her near-miss experience as a warning.

While “normal wear and tear should not be a problem” when it comes to travelling overseas, serious damage to a passport can stop you from travelling.

Airlines also risk a fine of $US5000 ($A6900) by Indonesian authorities for bringing a passenger into the country with a damaged passport.

Ms Box urged listeners to use her near-miss experience as a warning for overseas travel, and to ensure documents are in good condition given they’ve probably been stuffed away in a drawer for the past two years.