Passport Question

[Farawayfan]

I know someone will tell me that there have been other threads about it but I'm too lazy to search for it so please help...

We are planning on going to Orlando next summer and have the old-style British passports - that is without the machine-readable stuff.

Can anyone tell me what the current information is as far as entry into the States is concerned. Do I need a VISA or is a current British passport sufficient as long as it has the machine-readable stuff?

thanks
Jackie

 

[kristieuk]

I know someone will tell me that there have been other threads about it but I'm too lazy to search for it so please help...

We are planning on going to Orlando next summer and have the old-style British passports - that is without the machine-readable stuff.

Can anyone tell me what the current information is as far as entry into the States is concerned. Do I need a VISA or is a current British passport sufficient as long as it has the machine-readable stuff?

thanks
Jackie

They definitely need to be machine readable ie <<<<<<your detail>>>>>> at the bottom of the page. It would be far more sensible that you replace your passports before you go - if you do before 26 Oct 2006, you will be fine. It's a whole lot easier than getting Visas!

 

[Farawayfan]

Is 26 October the definite cut-off date or is it possible it will change and be earlier?

thanks
Jackie

 

[kristieuk]

I don't think for one moment it would be brought forward. It has basically been extended year by year as the UK passport service couldn't comply with the whole biometric thing. I understand that after the 26 Oct 2006, they will be able to comply - at least that is the plan.

 

[mark&sue]

We fly back on 26th October 2006. I wonder what will happen to us?


Susan

 

[Kerryc]

Oh no Susan , they may just make you stay there like FOREVER

 

[Farawayfan]

How cool's that!

 

[mark&sue]

It will only be cool if the holding cell they keep us in is Disney themed!!!!



Susan

 

[Opaleye]

The cut off date of october 26 2006 is for E-passports any passports used for visa waiver entry into the USA iussed after this date must be E passports. You may still use the Visa waiver programme after this date if, your passport was issued before this date , is machine readable and has a digital photo. There was a cut off for the digital photo this year as well ( not sure of the month) but again if your passport was issued before that date ( maybe June 2005 or maybe October 2005) then you can still use your passport as long as it is machine readable, the machine readable one is the only condition without an option which still lets you use the passport ( as in it doesn't mattter when it was issued or if it was issued before a certian date)
That is what it says so far anway , they might change it so everyone has to have E-passports by Oct 2006 but that is what the USA enrty page says now.

 

[Kerryc]

The cut off date of october 26 2006 is for E-passports any passports used for visa waiver entry into the USA iussed after this date must be E passports. You may still use the Visa waiver programme after this date if, your passport was issued before this date , is machine readable and has a digital photo. There was a cut off for the digital photo this year as well ( not sure of the month) but again if your passport was issued before that date ( maybe June 2005 or maybe October 2005) then you can still use your passport as long as it is machine readable, the machine readable one is the only condition without an option which still lets you use the passport ( as in it doesn't mattter when it was issued or if it was issued before a certian date)
That is what it says so far anway , they might change it so everyone has to have E-passports by Oct 2006 but that is what the USA enrty page says now.

Nothing like confusing the heck outta people!!!

 

[loadsapixiedust]

This link should make things clear for everyone. There is a lot of misinformation out there. As well as the US immigration requirements, check that the airline you are travelling with doesn't insist on any minimum validity remaining or anything else.

 

[susieh]

This link should make things clear for everyone. .

Thanks for the link - it's really clearly explained.

 

[Laurafoster]

You think that was confusing - you should have heared the explaination we got from security at Gatwick airport - talk about putting you to sleep before the flight!