Passport Query

[~Piglet~]

Can anybody tell me whether the US has any rules with passports, e.g. you must have six clear months left after your holiday etc?

Thanks

 

[misskrystal]

I'm not sure of the rules exactly and some exceptions can be made, but if you have the opportunity to renew your passport and avoid possible problems, then do it.

I know other DISers have had similar problems and were stuck in huge queues at the passport office due to this.

For me, I'd do anything to make my trip easier.

 

[patdavies]

Can anybody tell me whether the US has any rules with passports, e.g. you must have six clear months left after your holiday etc?

Thanks

The US does not require your passport to have any validity after your return. Under the VWP, the maximum stay is 90 days, if your passport expires before the 90 day period ends, then you will only be admitted until the passport expiry date.

However, some airlines require a period of validity following your return - this is up to them and perfectly legal. TCD require 6 months, Virgin are aligned with US immigration (ie no ongoing vailidity required) - don't know about the other airlines.

 

[gilld]

However, some airlines require a period of validity following your return - this is up to them and perfectly legal. TCD require 6 months, Virgin are aligned with US immigration (ie no ongoing vailidity required) - don't know about the other airlines.

Then why do VH STILL say you HAVE to have 6 months left on your passport? They asked me this recently.

 

[wideeyes]

I was told 6 months as well....

 

[Claire L]

On the VH website iot does say to check with the Us Embassy for current requirements, therefore they work off the rule of validty for length of stay only is needed. Also here is what Virgin Atlantic say for UK passport holders travelling from the UK to USA.

Claire

 

[jen_uk]

When I last went mine was only valid for 3 months, I called Virgin to check and they said it would not be a problem and it wasnt!

 

[patdavies]

Then why do VH STILL say you HAVE to have 6 months left on your passport? They asked me this recently.

I'm sorry, I was not clear. When I referred to Virgin, I meant VA - the airline.

VH is a totally separate tour operator and obviously they, for some reason best known to themselves, quote 6 months.


It may be worth writing and challenging why they are so out of line with both US immigration and VA.

 

[Claire L]

Then why do VH STILL say you HAVE to have 6 months left on your passport? They asked me this recently.

On the VH website it now says check with US Embassy, there is no mention of the 6 months.

Claire

 

[maria & rossi]

I would recommend you check with the us embassey. I work for a travel agents and this is what we recommend. The usa are always changing the rules re: passports and visas. The embassey website will give you contact tele no's. maria