Passport

[peaky]

Hello,

I am travelling to Florida for the 1st time in 2009.

My British passport was issued in 2003 and doesnt expire till 2013 and looks to have a digital photo and the readable bar at the bottom. It is identical to my wifes except hers has a chip in it as it was issued in 2008.

Will i need a new passport?

Many thanks for your time and help.

[Lyn]

No your passport will be fine, mine was issued in 2002 and I have been using it every year to go the the states with no problems.

[lewisp]

same for me and I travel back and fore regularly, last trip was Oct 08 and next one is March 09. As long as you have the readable barcode at the bottom and yours should have this being issued in 2003 you will be fine. Most important is that you sort out your ESTA application for a visa before you fly as the new requirements come in on Jan 12th this year. For info go to :-http://www.usembassy.org.uk/dhs/ESTA_for_Visa_Waiver_Program_Travelers.pdf

Have a great trip. Gill

[MJG]

Thanks for the reminder re the Esta application - did mine tonight and how easy was that - so much easier than those silly cards you used to have to complete while on the flight there......once took Jan and I at least three go's (hysterical after no. 2!!!) after making small errors and under threat of deportation on landing for making such small errors on the form we got hysterical......

Has a serious purpose though and glad to see they have made it so much easier.....