Originally Posted by
flabound
he got an email today
If I understand right your friend got this email from BA today explaining the e-passport requirement.
Assuming U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the FCO had provided the information well ahead of time I don't think he's been "screwed" by anyone. He just hasn't done his research very well regarding visa requirements.
http://www.cbp.gov/travel/internatio...-system-travel
Q: What are the passport requirements to travel under the Visa Waiver Program?
A: Travel under the VWP is restricted to travelers possessing passports with specified security features. Visa Waiver Program requirements are:
The passport must have a machine-readable zone on the biographic page.
The passport must be an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner.
As of April 1, 2016, all travelers must have an e-passport to use the VWP. An e-Passport, denoted by the symbol , is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip. E-Passports are issued by the proper passport issuing authority and must meet international standards for securing and storing information corresponding to the passport and bearer.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-ad...y-requirements
Additionally, from 1 April 2016, all travellers wishing to enter the US under the VWP will need to hold a passport with an integrated chip (an ePassport). British passports issued since October 2006 are ePassports and carry this internationally recognised symbol on the front cover.