Passport & ESTA requirements to get into the USA

Basically to get into the US of A everyone needs an updated (newish) passport plus an ESTA...it looks complicated but it's pretty simple; there's 3 types of passports below allowed plus the link to a free ESTA is below:

Passports For the USA issued on or after October 26, 2006: e-Passport

New passports issued by the UKPA will be e-Passports, which include an integrated computer chip capable of storing biographic information from the data page, as well as other biometric information, such as the required digital photograph of the holder. You can identify an e-Passport by the symbol (see image below).

If your passport does not have this feature, you can still travel without a visa if it is a valid passport issued:

• Before October 26, 2005, and includes a machine-readable zone, or
• Between October 26, 2005, and October 25, 2006, and includes a digital photograph.

If you were issued a passport on or after October 26, 2006, and it is not an e-Passport, you will need to obtain a visa from the appropriate US consulate.

Passports issued October 26, 2005 - October 25, 2006: Digital Photographs

Older, but still valid passports issued by UKPA between October 26, 2005, and October 25, 2006, must include a digital photo printed on the data page, or the traveler will be required to obtain a visa. A digital photo is one that is printed on the page, not a photo that is glued or laminated into the passport. It looks like the image at the right.

If your passport does not have this feature, you can still travel without a visa if you:

• Were issued a valid passport before October 26, 2005, with a machine-readable zone, or
• You have “e-Passport,” which includes an integrated computer chip capable of storing biographic information from the data page, a digitized photograph, and other biometric information.

If you are issued a passport on or after October 26, 2005, and it does not meet the requirements in either Sections A or B, you will need to obtain a visa.

Machine Readable Passport Sample

Passports issued before October 26, 2005: Machine-Readable Zones

Older, but still valid passports issued by UKPA before October 26, 2005, must have a machine-readable zone. A machine-readable passport has two lines of text as letters, numbers and chevrons (<<<) at the bottom of the personal information page, along with the bearer’s picture. It looks like the image at right.

If your passport does not have this feature, you have two options:

• Get a qualifying, new passport if your country of nationality is producing one, or
• Get a visa.

Please contact your UKPA or your local embassy if you have questions about your country’s production of a qualifying e-Passport.

Also everyone needs an ESTA....

USA - ESTA – Electronic System for Travel Authorisation

The USA has changed its entry procedures for travellers to the USA under its Visa Waiver Program and has introduced a system called ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). From 12th January 2009, all non-US citizens visiting the US will need prior authorisation to enter the country before they board the plane, to gain this authorization they must submit details to ESTA, which must be obtained at least 72 hours prior to your arrival in the USA..

How do I get an ESTA?

The web address to enter details to is https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta