Norwegian tourist detained at Phuket airport over torn passport page

2026-03-05 - 10:53

PHUKET — A 26-year-old Norwegian man was detained at Phuket International Airport after Thai immigration officers allegedly found a torn page in his passport, according to a report first published on 27 February by Norwegian daily Verdens Gang (VG). Marcus Haavik, 26, had arrived in Phuket with a friend for a planned two-week holiday when he was stopped at passport control. The pair had intended to spend a week in Phuket, travel to the Phi Phi islands and conclude their trip in Bangkok. Haavik told VG that immigration officers examined his passport and discovered that a page at the back had been torn out. He said he had never noticed the missing page and did not know how the damage occurred. According to the report, officers informed him that the passport was invalid and that he would not be permitted to enter Thailand. Haavik said he was taken to an office where officials photographed his passport, prepared documents and asked him to sign papers. He declined to sign before speaking to someone, fearing it could affect his situation. He was later placed in a holding cell at the airport. VG reported that Haavik was told he would be sent to Stockholm on a flight operated by Norse Atlantic Airways, the carrier he had flown in with, which would be responsible for his return. At the time of the newspaper’s report, he said he had not seen a ticket or written confirmation of the departure date. Haavik told VG he had been in contact with Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In an email response to the outlet, the ministry said it was aware of the case but could not comment further due to confidentiality rules governing consular matters. The ministry stated that in such cases it typically offers advice, assists with contact with local authorities, helps individuals obtain legal counsel and notifies relatives if necessary. It also noted that Norwegian citizens are responsible for ensuring they meet entry requirements and comply with the laws and regulations of the countries they visit.