Passport Panic!!!

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi, we haven't been to the US since 2003, and I was just reading my new Brit Guide and it mentions the two new type passports issued in Oct 2005 and Oct 2006.(ones including a digital photo and the other 'biometric data' )

We have 3 passports all issued before that time (the earliest being1999) and although they will still be valid for 6mths after our return date, I'm concerned that we won't be able to use them as they are 'old style'??

It also mentions in the Brit Guide about a £60 visa (is that per person or for a family??)which you must get 2 mths in advance from the US Embassy if you don't have a machine readable passport (I don't know if mine are!! ) - So if we need those I haven't got much time to sort it out as we go in less than 3 mths!!!

PLease could anyone who knows a definitive answer let me know as I am really panicking!!

thanks ever so much!!

 

[Goofyish]

It's easy to tell if your passports are machine readable - look at the bottom of the page that has your photograph and if you see a lot of <<<<<>>>>>>> and numbers etc. then it's machine readable

 

[Jakey Rowling]

Hi, we haven't been to the US since 2003, and I was just reading my new Brit Guide and it mentions the two new type passports issued in Oct 2005 and Oct 2006.(ones including a digital photo and the other 'biometric data' )

We have 3 passports all issued before that time (the earliest being1999) and although they will still be valid for 6mths after our return date, I'm concerned that we won't be able to use them as they are 'old style'??

It also mentions in the Brit Guide about a £60 visa (is that per person or for a family??)which you must get 2 mths in advance from the US Embassy if you don't have a machine readable passport (I don't know if mine are!! ) - So if we need those I haven't got much time to sort it out as we go in less than 3 mths!!!

PLease could anyone who knows a definitive answer let me know as I am really panicking!!

thanks ever so much!!

I think you are correct if you don't have a machine readable passport.

If you have a machine readable passport there are two lines of letters, numbers and ’>>>>’s printed at the bottom of the personal information page and you are OK for the visa waiver programme.

More info can be found on the American embassy website here
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/mrp_bio.html

It says
Visa free travelers, including children, entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) require individual machine-readable passports (MRP). This requirement has been in place since October 26, 2004.

If the passport was issued, renewed/extended between October 26, 2005 and October 25, 2006 it must contain a digital photograph.

If the passport was issued, renewed/extended on or after October 26, 2006, it must be also include an integrated circuit chip capable of storing the biographic information from the data page, a digitized photograph and other biometric information

A digital photo is one that is printed, not stuck on the page. You cant "feel" a digital photo in the passport but this is probably not relevant to your passport dates.

If you don't have machine readable passports then it looks as though you will require a B-2 visa or a new passport.
Check for the >>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

[Lez]

Hi

I just had the same panic on Thursday after reading my new guide too.

After checking

ww*.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp.html

(Change the * in WW to W). it give more details on the Visa Wavier Program).

Sorry as newbie can't do links

The 3rd Question from the end states this:

What do I do if I do not have a machine-readable passport or a passport which contains a digital photograph?

If you do not have a machine-readable passport you will either be required to apply for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa, or if you wish to continue traveling visa free under the VWP, obtain a new passport which is machine readable.

If you are a national of a country that does not issue passports with digital photographs and your passport is issued on or after October 26, 2005 you will be required to apply for either a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa. If your passport is issued before this date, the digital photograph requirement will NOT apply to you.

If you check the following


ww*.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/programs/content_multi_image_0021.shtm#3

3rd statement down "Passports issued before October 26, 2005: Machine-Readable Zones"

Confirms you should be OK.


This Wizard I also found quite helpful

ww*.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/visa_wizard.html

 

[misskrystal]

If your passport was issued in 1999, you'll be due for a new one soon anyway, so it may be a good idea to renew, rather than applying for a visa.

 

[Jets fan]

Sorry to be dense but I also am worrying about this. I have a machine readable passport issued on 16 May 2005, but the photo is not digital. Is this OK? I think it is but I'm still worried as I keep thinking I;m reading things wrongly.

Many thanks
Tina

 

[Disneycrazycrewuk]

Sorry to be dense but I also am worrying about this. I have a machine readable passport issued on 16 May 2005, but the photo is not digital. Is this OK? I think it is but I'm still worried as I keep thinking I;m reading things wrongly.

Many thanks
Tina

As your passport is machine readable you will be fine, stop panicing

 

[Jakey Rowling]

Sorry to be dense but I also am worrying about this. I have a machine readable passport issued on 16 May 2005, but the photo is not digital. Is this OK? I think it is but I'm still worried as I keep thinking I;m reading things wrongly.

Many thanks
Tina

Ditto the above, calm down

If the passport was issued, renewed/extended between October 26, 2005 and October 25, 2006 it must contain a digital photograph.

So before 26th Oct 2005 you are OK.

 

[aaronandterri]

Hi
You know its a good job i read this thread as when i went to check all ours i noticed my nearly 5 year old will not have 6 months left on his when we travel, so i need to get a new one do you think it will be ok to get one in time we travel in first few days of april.
never even gave it a thought.......

 

[Daysleeper40]

If you take the passport etc to the post office and pay for their check and send service you should receive the passport back within 14 working days. I can't remember how much it is but definately under £10. As you won't have to pay to extend your 5 year olds PP it seems worth it to me!

Edit to add the details from post office website:

How to apply
Important information regarding passport applications
From 1st May 2007, if you are applying for your first British passport or for a child under 16 years, you will need to ensure you complete 'section 4' (this link will open in a new window) of the passport application.

Check & Send service
For just £7* the Post Office® will:

check and validate your application form
send it to the appropriate passport office
provide you with a receipt
provide you with a phone number so you can track the progress of your application

The usual turnaround time for these applications is 2 weeks from when they are accepted, however this is not a guaranteed service and turnaround times may be longer during peak periods. In addition the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) may also need to make further checks in terms of identity and nationality and this may more time to confirm your eligibility.

Please ensure that you provide the correct documents and photographs and that 'section 4' (this link will open in a new window) of the application form is completed if applicable.

Find your nearest Check & Send Post Office® branch or call our helpline on 08457 22 33 44.**

 

[aaronandterri]

Thanks for info will def use that service
do you not have to pay to extend a 5 year olds passport then ??? i thought you had to pay?? im confused.

 

[Jakey Rowling]

Thanks for info will def use that service
do you not have to pay to extend a 5 year olds passport then ??? i thought you had to pay?? im confused.

Fees are here.

http://www.ips.gov.uk/passport/fees.asp

£46 as far as i can see.

 

[Daysleeper40]

Thanks for info will def use that service
do you not have to pay to extend a 5 year olds passport then ??? i thought you had to pay?? im confused.

Sorry - I have got that wrong. You didn't have to in the past but I think this now only applies if the first passport was issued prior to 1998.

They now seem to charge you £46 for the first 5 years and then £46 to extend it. I can't belive how expensive it is!

 

[aaronandterri]

Right just as i thought, i think that they may have ment about the old way, if a childs passport was issued b4 1998 then it was a free renewal, but thats long gone....sadly

but im still a bit thrown by the 6 month rule

we travel 10th - 28th april, his passort runs out on Oct 24th, do we need a new one, it will be more than 6 months on it when we travel but less than 6 months by 4 days when we return.

is it 6 months remaining on it on date of travel or return, how do they break down 6 months, is there a number of days?

 

[Jakey Rowling]

Right just as i thought, i think that they may have ment about the old way, if a childs passport was issued b4 1998 then it was a free renewal, but thats long gone....sadly

but im still a bit thrown by the 6 month rule

we travel 10th - 28th april, his passort runs out on Oct 24th, do we need a new one, it will be more than 6 months on it when we travel but less than 6 months by 4 days when we return.

is it 6 months remaining on it on date of travel or return, how do they break down 6 months, is there a number of days?

It depends on your airline.
BA Virgin don't requre 6 months some chartered say they do.

See post #4 here for the actual position.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23128531

 

[mickg7dyd]

Hi,
Here's a link to passport requirements:

http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/programs/content_multi_image_0021.shtm

Mick.

 

[aaronandterri]

were flying virgin ~ does that mean were ok ???

 

[Jakey Rowling]

were flying virgin ~ does that mean were ok ???

If you go to this site, enter the relevant info you'll get to the page I referred to in an earlier post.

Virgin do not require 6 months.

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/passengerinformation/healthandvisainformation/index.jsp

 

[aaronandterri]

Hi
i followed the directions and it says this VALIDITY


VALIDITY:

1. Passports of nationals of the U.S.A. must be valid on the
date of arrival in the U.S.A.
2. Passports of all visitors must be valid for at least 6
months beyond the date of intended departure from the
U.S.A.

guess that means i have to get him a new passport then !


its valid till 24th oct we fly back 28th april

 

[aaronandterri]

ahh just noticed the list underneath that!