Passports expiry question

[david1]

Hi all just a quick question

We are thinking of getting a late deal to Florida but the kids passports run out on the 13/02/07. Will this be ok if our return flight to the UK is at the end of this month?

Cant remember if the passports must be valid for 7 or 6 months from the date we return to the UK.

Thanks
David

 

[bazzanoid]

You are advised to check the remaining validity of your passport as soon as you plan to travel overseas. The US and the UK have an agreement that allows people travelling from one country to the other to enter using a passport with limited validity. However, you are strongly advised to renew your passport beforehand if it has six months remaining validity or less. This is in case your departure from the US is delayed for any reason; if you wish to make side visits to other countries; or if you have further travel plans immediately after your visit to the US.

I would, however, contact the UKPA - they generally reply to emails within a few days. http://www.passport.gov.uk/contact_generalenq.asp

 

[patdavies]

For a UK passport, the US authorities require absolutely no validity beyond your date of return. On arrival, whether you have a visa or use VWP, you are admitted on a 90 day tourist visa. If you passport will expire before 90 days, you will only be admitted until the expiry date of the passport.

That is the legal position.


However some carriers, as part of their terms and conditions of carriage, insist on longer validity. If you fail to conform to the carriers terms and conditions then you will not fly - this has nothing to do with admission into the USA. As a point of information, Virgin Atlantic do not require any additional validity beyond the legal requirement above.

Note that this only applies to the carrier, not a tour company/travel agent.

 

[david1]

Thanks for the replies

Looking like the we might be flying with Britannia will have a look at there website for more information.

All the best
David