FROM 26 OCTOBER 2004 ALL CHILDREN WILL NEED THEIR OWN PASSPORTS TO ENTER THE USA.

The US has granted an extension of its Visa Waiver Program to holders of non-machine-readable British passports traveling to the United States.

This means that all British passport holders, including children, traveling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program will need their own machine-readable passport with effect from 26 October 2004, rather than from the original date of 1 October 2003.

From 26 October 2004 anyone without a machine-readable passport, including children who are currently on a parent’s passport will need a visa to travel to the USA. Airlines will not allow children without their own passports or a US visa for them in an adult’s passport to board flights to the USA. So if you are planning a visit the USA, we would advise you to apply in good time for passports for all children who will be traveling, or to contact the US Embassy about obtaining visas.

The new requirements will also affect holders of some passports issued by British diplomatic posts abroad. If you have a British passport issued outside the UK, check whether the personal details page has a blank space across the bottom or lines of machine-readable characters. If it has a blank space, you will need a visa to enter the US from 26 October 2004. Alternatively you could apply for a replacement passport while you are in the UK. If you choose to apply for a replacement passport, you will need to complete the usual application form and pay the full fee.