Passport expiry & ESTA

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi, my mum has just asked me a question and I am not sure of the answer - so I guessed someone here could tell me

She is going to Washington DC in March and realised her passport expires in July. I remember that it used to be that your passport had to be valid for 6mths after your return date, but I also believe I read somewhere recently that this is not the case and that it just had to be valid for your trip?

I have also not been since ESTA was introduced and mum was worried whether (If she has to get a new passport) this will effect the ESTA form (she has done ESTA before in Sept) as she will presumably lose her visa from her last passport and wondered if she needs to get another one for the ESTA?

I am off to work now so I didn't have chance to do a proper search - sorry!!

Many thanks for any info

 

[disney_princess_85]

I remember that it used to be that your passport had to be valid for 6mths after your return date, but I also believe I read somewhere recently that this is not the case and that it just had to be valid for your trip?

I read this too but I would personally renew my passport, for peace of mind.

I have also not been since ESTA was introduced and mum was worried whether (If she has to get a new passport) this will effect the ESTA form (she has done ESTA before in Sept) as she will presumably lose her visa from her last passport and wondered if she needs to get another one for the ESTA?

If your mum gets a new passport then yes, she will have to fill out a new application for ESTA.

 

[wayneg]

The official line from US border patrol is a valid passport for your dates of travel under the Visa Waiver system but it depends on the airline you are flying with. Both BA & Virgin I know stick to the same as US BP but if flying with anyone else check with them.
Saying that you can add upto 9 months off your old passport onto a new one so many prefer to renew early especially if there is any chance of an increase in passport fees.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

thank both for you replies - mum is booked with British Airways so I have read her both of your comments and I think she will stick with her old passport for this trip - she will need to get a new one for her Disney trip in Nov, but at least she has plenty of time before that trip - we only booked this Washington holiday for her last week as she is really run down and needs a break, so she probably could do without the added hassle of sorting out a new passport and ESTA right now - so thanks again for your help!!

 

[disney_princess_85]

No problem! I hope your mum has a fab time.