Türkiye’s cosmetic surgery boom causes passport control chaos

Türkiye’s cosmetic surgery market is on the rise across Europe, but many individuals face issues with passport control because of changes in their appearance, especially those returning from Türkiye after surgery, according to European media outlet Euronews.

The issue gained public attention after TikTok influencer Joanne Prophet revealed she was detained by six airport security officers in Türkiye for “about an hour” while being questioned in a private room.

This occurred after security officers noted that her passport photo, taken before she underwent cosmetic enhancements, no longer matched her current appearance, even though her passport was still valid for 10 years.

Since her passport photo was taken, Joanne has undergone multiple procedures, including breast implants, dental veneers, chin and lip fillers, rhinoplasty, and fat-dissolving injections.

She also changed her hair color from platinum blonde to long ash blonde extensions.

‘You need to update your passport’

Upon arriving at Manchester Airport, security personnel told Joanne: “You need to update this photo because it no longer resembles you, which may explain why you keep facing interrogations.” Despite having a year left before her passport expired, Joanne had to apply for a new one.

Her experience sparked widespread discussion, with many other travelers, predominantly women, sharing similar stories of facing scrutiny at airports worldwide.

One woman on TikTok commented, “The passport control cameras in Türkiye pick up even the slightest change. I only had a nose job, and I keep getting questioned.”

In response, Joanne remarked: “Considering so many people travel there for surgeries, they really need to address this issue.”

Similar accounts surfaced from women who had traveled through Cape Verde and Singapore, with one reporting that she had to show “before-filler” photos to prove her identity during questioning.

Facial recognition issues during passport control post-surgery

Facial recognition technology raises concerns Travel experts have since weighed in, cautioning passengers about potential issues related to facial recognition technology.

They advised individuals to take extra care before boarding their flights, particularly as biometric systems are increasingly used at passport control.

With facial recognition technology becoming more prevalent, significant changes to a person’s appearance can prompt security concerns or delays during identity verification.

Experts note that these problems have become more common, causing both delays and, in some cases, flight cancellations.

Karolina Turowska, a biometric photo and travel expert from Passport-Photo Online, explained to Buzzfeed that airport security systems rely on specific facial features, such as the distance between pupils, the position of ears, and the width of the nose and mouth.

She emphasized that those who undergo cosmetic procedures should ensure their passport photo reflects their current appearance.

Experts also advise that, in cases of recent surgery, travelers can request a letter from their doctor explaining why their appearance differs from their passport photo if necessary.