Passport query

[wigglebum]

OK my hubby got his passport in 2003 so it does not have the little chip in like mine.

Will it still be OK to get into the USA without a visa ie does he qualify for the waiver program? It has all the dashes <<<<//// and stuff down the bottom which they say still counts as machine readable but really wanted to check.

TIA xx

[kempie]

Although the US periodically changes the criteria for the types of passport eligible for use with the Visa Waiver Program, it has always been the case (and is still true at the present time) that the UK Government enters into an agreement with the US Government to ensure that all types of legally valid full passports issued to UK residents by the IPS (Identity and Passport Service - previously known as the UK Passport Agency) are acceptable for the VWP.

All non-machine readable full passports issued to UK residents by the UKPA will have expired long before now as they were not issued after 1989 or thereabouts.

[wigglebum]

Thanks Kempie

[annie0000]

I was perfectly fine 2 years ago on a passport issued in 1997. Have a great holiday.

[BBWCHATT]

http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/in fo/info_1336.html

Each traveler from any of the 27 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, regardless of age or passport used, must present an individual machine-readable passport (MRP) in order to enter the United States without a visa. Depending on when the passport was issued, other passport requirements apply. Additionally, if travelers do not meet requirements, they will need to apply for a U.S. visa, and cannot travel on VWP. See Visa Waiver Program for complete details.

[lou 26]

my passport was issued in 1998. I was in the states in march and didnt have any problems using mine. It should be fine