USA e Passport advice finally hits the news.

hollie.weimeraner

Well it took ITV and BBC over 2 months to report this

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5422756

They are both running this story this morning, it's a bit late though:D

richardw

Yes, they are late with this.

bluenoseam

When people started getting turned away at customs it became an issue - which I have little sympathy for. It's been well known for long enough now that it was coming, the US have advised a biometric passport for years & the last non-compliant passports are due to expire this year.

Kernow666

3 million people face heartache according to the daily mail
like that many are going to the USA this summer

PeacefulWaters

Kernow666 wrote: »

3 million people face heartache according to the daily mail
like that many are going to the USA this summer

That's the number of passports involved.

Most won't be off to the USA.

danielthomark

Next problem will be those flying out to Canada and don't realize they need an ETA after September 29, 2016

Also, for those travelers who have EVER been arrested the ETA question is quite straightforward

Have you ever committed, been arrested for, been charged with or convicted of any criminal offence in any country?

Select ‘Yes’ if you have ever committed, been charged with or convicted of a crime in any country. Please provide as many details as possible. Failure to include additional and sufficient details may result in slower processing.

Unlike the USA even minor crimes can get you barred for lengthy periods.

(Taking the above question "Have you ever committed" means that if you have ever dropped a cigarette end or chewing gum in the street, a criminal offense, you will be denied ETA ! )

duchy

One of my friends quoted the Mirror article claiming "millions" affected <eye roll>

I think far more people will get caught out by the Canadian change as that is far more inclusive. Most people tend to follow the "six month validity " rule (yes I know it isn't a rule that exists) which would stop most travellers to the USA with expiring passports having problems anyway as they'd renew anyhow.

PompeyPete

Got finger printed at the ESTA machine, and then a few minutes later at the Immigration desk at Houston last Friday.

Goodness knows how many fingers touch these machines before they're cleaned. So don't forget the medicated hand sanitiser.

*j*

PompeyPete wrote: »

Goodness knows how many fingers touch these machines before they're cleaned. So don't forget the medicated hand sanitiser.

In a bottle 100ml or less, obviously!

callum9999

It's also interesting that it's currently a "new" story on the sidebar here - more proof that the site itself isn't particularly useful but the forum is full of good information!

bluenoseam wrote: »

When people started getting turned away at customs it became an issue - which I have little sympathy for. It's been well known for long enough now that it was coming, the US have advised a biometric passport for years & the last non-compliant passports are due to expire this year.

I think that's a bit harsh - a lot of people aren't familiar with international travel and this wouldn't have even occurred to them. Don't get me wrong, it's 100% their fault for not checking, but I still have sympathy for them!

duchy wrote: »

One of my friends quoted the Mirror article claiming "millions" affected <eye roll>

I think far more people will get caught out by the Canadian change as that is far more inclusive. Most people tend to follow the "six month validity " rule (yes I know it isn't a rule that exists) which would stop most travellers to the USA with expiring passports having problems anyway as they'd renew anyhow.

What's their system like though? If it's like the ESTA then most of them should be able to apply there and then on a smartphone/computer if the check-in desk rejects them.

cubegame

danielthomark wrote: »

Next problem will be those flying out to Canada and don't realize they need an ETA after September 29, 2016

Also, for those travelers who have EVER been arrested the ETA question is quite straightforward

Have you ever committed, been arrested for, been charged with or convicted of any criminal offence in any country?

Select ‘Yes’ if you have ever committed, been charged with or convicted of a crime in any country. Please provide as many details as possible. Failure to include additional and sufficient details may result in slower processing.

Unlike the USA even minor crimes can get you barred for lengthy periods.

(Taking the above question "Have you ever committed" means that if you have ever dropped a cigarette end or chewing gum in the street, a criminal offense, you will be denied ETA ! )

Depending on your airline, you already need an ETA as some are apparently not allowing boarding during the phase-in period.