ePassports Now Required for All Visa Waiver Travel

Effective April 1st, 2016, all visitors coming to the United States pursuant to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must have an electronic passport, or e-Passport, which is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip that holds a passenger’s biographical information. E-Passports must be in compliance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and can be readily identified by a unique international symbol on the cover as seen below.

VWP visitors who do not have an e-Passport must obtain a visa before traveling to the United States.

For more information on e-Passports, visit the Homeland Security site. For more information regarding the 38 participating countries and ESTA application requirements for travel under the VWP, please visit the Department of State VWP page.

If you have any questions, please contact your designated Gibney representative or email info@gibney.com.