New visa/passport regulations

[KatyTheFairyPrincess]

Hi guys, we've just booked to go away!

and I was just looking into the regulations and this has confused me (from virgin atlantic website):

New passport requirements now take effect for passports issued on or after 26 October 2005. US authorities will require all countries participating in the VWP to issue passports with a digital photo of the passport holder's face printed on the data page of the passport. Passengers wishing to travel on the VWP without digital photos issued after 26 October 2005 will require a visa to enter the US.

That last part has completely thrown me I'm not entirely sure what it means
I'm panicking slighty as my dbf passport was issused way before then.
I think its probably me being a bit thick but could someone please tell me what we'll need to do and if its worth him getting a new passport

Thanks guys, i really appreciate the help

 

[SimonV]

If you have a passport that was issued AFTER Oct 26, 2005, it MUST have the new digital-image type photo (but most will have). Passports issued BEFORE Oct 26, 2005, are still valid (and do not require you to get a visa) provided they are machine-readable. If you do not meet either of these requirements, you must either a) Apply for a visa (which can be a laborious and expensive process), or b) renew your passport. B is usually the better bet!

 

[KatyTheFairyPrincess]

thanks simon, just panicking haha

I need to buy your new book for this year, been putting it off until I booked so I didn't get my hopes up lol