Passports

[bigbrother]

Can anyone tell us about legal requirements for passports? Adults and children regarding expiry dates etc. We are going during the first two weeks in August.

[blott]

Here's the US official line http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_web...v/sixmonth.htm and
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_web/visa/niv/vwp.htm

And here's the UK passport office website http://www.passportoffice.gov.uk/

[george]

You must have at least six months on your passport left.

[huckleberry house]

Sorry George but that isnt correct.If you are entering on the visa waiver your passports simply have to be valid for the duration of your stay,not 6 months as is commonly believed.

Lesley

[george]

True but how many people have a visa on their passports at the moment. Still, this may well change come October if the new rules are implemented

[huckleberry house]

George

You dont need a visa in your passport.On the plane or at the airport you are asked to complete a visa waiver form which allows you to enter for up to 90 days without a visa.

The new rules only apply to people who have to renew their passports between Oct 2004 and 2005,anyone who may need to renew their passport after Oct 04 can apply now for a new passport up to 9 months in advance and have the extra months added on and will not then be affected at all by the new regulations or need a visa.

Lesley

[chrisj]

All the times we have gone away we have always been told that we must have 6 months left on our
passports from the date we return

[blott]

It is true peeps, you don't have to have six months left on your passport http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_web...ites.htm#three but you would need three months more than your date of entry to comply with the requirements as a visa waiver is potentially valid for three months (90 days). Either that or you are only allowed to stay up to the date your passport expires.

It always makes sound sense to have some time left on your passport over and above this anyway in case you or a member of your party are taken ill and need to remain longer than you expected on medical grounds.

[chrisj]

ours run out in march 2005,

[blott]

If you were going again to the US Chris before mid 2005 I'd recommend you to renew them before 26 October 2004 but you're not so it's not important for you.

Anyone else though whose passports expire after 26 October 2004 and who are going to the US in 2005 would be well advised to renew them before 26 October 2004 as this is the current date when biometric info is required for US entry and without which you'd need to apply for a visa.