Can I travel with a damaged passport?

Traveling with a damaged passport is not recommended, and the decision to use or replace it depends on the extent of damage. Minor issues like small tears may be acceptable for domestic travel, but significant damage, such as missing photos or torn pages, is discouraged as it could lead to entry denials. Damage to the information page, which includes personal details and a photo, is critical and warrants immediate replacement due to potential border control issues. It is advised to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance on using a damaged passport and to consider replacement for a smoother travel experience.