Frequently Asked Questions

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Travelling to the USA (Biometric Passport Update)

Answer:

From April 1st 2016, all visitors to the United States of America must have an electronic biometric passport, also known as an e-passport, to qualify for visa-free entry under the
Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
 
The VWP allows passport holders from qualifying counties, including the UK to visit the US for up to 90 days as a tourist or on certain business trips – or to enter the US for onward travel to
another country. Electronic biometric passports have been uniformly issued in the UK since spring 2007, so anyone who has renewed their passport since then will have one.
 
Customer Q&A
 
Why was I not told about this change when I booked my holiday?
Our customers are always asked to read about and obtain relevant documentation that meets US entry requirements at the time of booking. We also advise customers it’s their responsibility to check the passport, visa and health requirements for their holiday destination on the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office website. However, given this is a recent change and to help customers, we will review if we can highlight the requirement of an electronic passport on relevant customer communications.
 
I am worried about my holiday to the US – can you explain in full the entry requirements?
If you are planning to stay in the US for 90 days or fewer, you may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and you can apply for Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
From 1st April 2016 if you are travelling to the US under the VWP, you will also need to have a valid e-passport along with your ESTA. If your passport has a chip symbol on the front cover, it is an electronic e- passport. For full details on the Visa Waiver Program and for up to date travel advice for the USA, visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
 
What is a biometric/electronic passport – and how do I know if I have one?
A biometric electronic passport contains a digital chip with information about the holder. It can be identified by a chip symbol on the front cover of the passport.
 
Where can I find out more about the necessary documents I need to travel to the US?
For full details on the Visa Waiver Program and for up to date travel advice for the US, visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
 
This change came into force on April 1st 2016 - when did you begin notifying your customers?
Our customers are asked to read about and obtain relevant documentation that meets the
country’s entry requirements. We also advise customers it’s their responsibility to check the
passport, visa and health requirements for their holiday destination on the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office website. However, given this is a recent change and to help customers, we will review if we can highlight the requirement of an electronic passport on relevant customer communications.
 
Member(s) of my travelling party do not have a biometric e-passport – what are my
options?
If you do not have a biometric e-passport, or are concerned that you don’t qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, you should contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. Details of the US
Embassy and consulates in the UK can be found at https://uk.usembassy.gov/.
 
I want to cancel my holiday to the US because of this change – what are my options?
Normal booking conditions apply for customers who wish to cancel their holidays.
 
I am due to travel to the US imminently and I do not have a biometric passport – what are my options?
If you are due to travel to the US and are required to obtain a new passport, we would advise that you contact HM Passport Office here in the UK. If you are concerned that you don’t qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, you should contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. Details of the US Embassy and consulates in the UK can be found at https://uk.usembassy.gov/.
Once the passport has been updated in line with US requirements, we would encourage any
customers who have been unable to travel to contact our Customer Operations team.
 
I’m unsure if my visa for travel to the US is valid – what are my options?
If you are concerned that you don’t qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, you should contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. Details of the US Embassy and consulates in the UK can be found at https://uk.usembassy.gov/.