What if there is no surname on a passport?

What to Do If Your Passport Doesn’t Have a Surname

Sometimes, official travel documents don’t follow the typical Western naming convention of "given name" and "surname." This can happen if your culture traditionally uses only one full name or multiple given names without a family name. If your passport doesn’t list a surname, it can raise questions during check-in or immigration—especially when filling out forms that expect both fields.

Here’s what you should do: If there’s no surname listed on your passport, enter your entire given name(s) in the surname field. Yes, even if it feels counterintuitive. The key is consistency with your travel document. Leave the given name field blank in these cases. This approach is widely accepted by airlines and border authorities, as it accurately reflects what’s on your passport.

For example, if your passport shows only “Ahmed Mohamed” under name and no separate surname, input “Ahmed Mohamed” in the surname field when booking flights or going through e-gates. Avoid shortcuts like entering “NA,” “*,” or “Not applicable”—these can trigger system errors or delays, as automated systems may flag them as invalid entries.

International travel standards, including those from IATA and various immigration agencies, recognize this practice. It’s designed to ensure people from diverse naming traditions aren’t disadvantaged. The goal is accuracy, not conformity to a specific format.

Bottom line: Let your passport guide your entries. Even if it looks unusual, entering your full given name in the surname field—and leaving the given name blank—is the correct and safest approach. This small detail can save you time, confusion, and potential issues at the airport.