Notices

Passports - new rules for those travelling to USA
Travel
From 1 April 2016, all travellers to the US using the Visa Waiver Program must have a biometric passport (sometimes called an "ePassport") or they won't be allowed into the United States of America by Homeland Security. This could mean millions of Brits hoping to travel to the USA - despite having a current valid passport - could still be refused entry after a change to the country's entry requirements.

"All travellers wishing to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program now need to hold a passport with an integrated chip (an ePassport). Your passport is an ePassport if it carries this internationally recognised symbol on the front cover."


Visa Waiver Program travellers must present a separate biometric passport for each traveller, including infants. Emergency and temporary passports must also have an electronic chip.

Before March 2006 all issued passports were non-biometric passports; between March 2006 and October 2006 some non-biometric passports were also issued and these do not have the chip symbol on the front. Those who did not get the biometric version will either need to apply for a visa from the US embassy or apply for a new passport. If applying for a new passport, this will also mean that when the passport is received you will have to apply for a new ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) - ($14). Many passports from the affected period will be reaching the end of their ten year validity and thus will need to be renewed anyhow.

A new passport will cost you either £72.50 or £82.25, depending on the service you choose, and should take about two to three weeks. The time left on your old passport will be added to your new one.

Also:
If you have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, you will not qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program and will need to apply for a visa well in advance of travel. Likewise, if you're a dual national of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria.
Page created by on 06-05-2016 13:38.
+ Last editted by Nimbus on 06-05-2016 21:57. View History

All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:39 PM.


Powered by vBulletin - Copyright © 2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
DIBB Savings
AttractionTickets.com

Get £10 off each Disney Ticket with the code ATDIBB10

Get up to £50 off per room at Disney or Universal with the code DIBBHOTELS


theDIBB Blog
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is to unveil a host of magical experiences that... Read More »
FREE Nights & Great Ticket Savings on 2025 Walt Disney World Holidays Book by 31*... Read More »
Universal has announced the official opening date for its latest theme park – Universal Epic... Read More »

theDIBB Menu


Exchange Rates
US Dollar Rates
ASDA  $1.2257
Covent Garden FX  $1.2329
FAIRFX  $1.2233
M&S  $1.2035
Post Office  $1.1986
Sainsburys  $1.2207
TESCO  $1.2232
Travelex  $1.2251
Updated: 18:30 13/02/2025
Euro Rates
ASDA  €1.1750
Covent Garden FX  €1.1805
FAIRFX  €1.1776
M&S  €1.1525
Post Office  €1.1544
Sainsburys  €1.1703
TESCO  €1.1732
Travelex  €1.1742
Updated: 18:30 13/02/2025

DIBB Premium Membership
Did you know you can help support theDIBB with Premium Membership?

Check out this link for more information and benefits, such as...

"No adverts on theDIBB Forums"

Upgrade Now