Entering US on VWP with non-bio passport
 

Hi. I'm travelling to the US next year. I have a UK passport (with "British Citizen" status) which was issued in March 2006 - so before the requirement for biometric passports kicked in (which was October 2006).

According to the official US sources, I am OK for VWP entry provided my passport:

- is Machine-readable (which it is)
- has a digital photograph (which it does)

However, I'm slightly twitchy and wonder if I'd be better off renewing my passport now to get a biometric one. Does anyone have direct experience of entering the US with a passport like mine and did they encounter any issues either with the airline (am travelling VS from LGW) or at immigration?

TIA

I can't comment on the biometric passport issue directly, mine is a 2008 issue, but I know relatives with older passports haven't had issues but I do know that the VWP has changed from what it used to be (getting a little green thing stuck in your passport on the day you travel) to being the ESTA program where you have to complete information (and pay) online ahead of your trip. Sounds from that site like you are fine on your passport.

On the ESTA site is says the following:

Visa Waiver Program requirements are:
•The passport must have a machine-readable zone on the biographic page.
•Issued on or after October 26, 2005 – Each Visa Waiver Program passport issued on or after this date must have a digital photo.
•Issued on or after October 26, 2006 – Each Visa Waiver Program passport issued on or after this date must be an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner.

EXCEPTION: To be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, persons presenting United Kingdom passports must possess the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man


•A machine readable passport contains two lines of text with numbers and chevrons (<<<) at the bottom of the personal information page with the passport bearer's picture. Document requirements vary according to the date a passport was issued or renewed as follows:
•Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended before October 26, 2005 have no additional requirements.
•If a passport was issued or renewed/extended on or after October 26, 2005 and does not meet the following requirements, the traveler must obtain a visa:
1. Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended on or after October 26, 2005 through October 25, 2006 must meet the following requirements: A digital photograph printed on the passport data page is required OR an integrated chip containing information from the data page (e-passport). A digital photo is one that is printed on the page, not a photo that is glued or laminated into the passport.
2. Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended on or after October 26, 2006 are required to be e-passports.

My British passport was issued at the end of 2004. (I'm about to renew it).

It's machine readable but not biometric and I visit the US at least twice a year on VWPP and ESTA without any problems.

Thanks Cassie55, that reassures me!

I have had a green card since July 2007. Before that my passport was issued in June 2003, machine readable and NON Biometric. Never had a problem.

Cassie 55 is correct - you should have no problem at all.

Thanks to you too Gralistair - am now reassured and will milk the passport until it expires!

Well I would not go that far - I would renew it three months before due.

Agree.

Cheers.

On further reflection.. Anyone out there with a passport issued in the magic window between October 26 2005 and October 26 2006 (like mine) where the US requirement is for a digital photograph (but not bio). I *think* my passport has a digital photograph but am unsure how to confirm. I called UK Passport Service but they were unable to help; I have an email query pending which also wasn't answered properly first time around.

(Or does anyone know how to tell if it's a digital photo?)

Ummm look at it is the easiest way. :confused:

Machine readable passports were first introduced in the UK back in the late 80 s followed by Digital facial image rather than a laminated photograph in the late 90 s.

Never had a problem with mine either..