Visas
All travellers will require a valid passport to enter the United States and your passport should still be valid for 6 months after you return from your trip. If you are travelling on more than one passport, please use the same passport for the entire trip. The following information also applies to visitors entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (including Australians, New Zealanders, and British):
From 1 April 2016, all travellers wishing to enter the US under the VWP will need to hold a passport with the following criteria:
If your passport was issued before October 26, 2005, it must be ‘machine readable’ (with 2 lines of letters, numbers and <<< at the bottom)
If your passport was issued between October 26, 2005 and October 25, 2006, it must be machine readable and include a digital photo
If your passport was issued on or after October 26, 2006, it must be an e-passport with a digital photo and an integrated chip (with this internationally recognised symbol <http://www.dhs.gov/e-passports> on the front cover).
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct passport and that there are sufficient blank pages for any visas required and for entry/departure stamps.
Many travellers to the United States (including Australians, New Zealanders and British) entering the country require a prearranged, approved Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). This is obtained electronically for passport holders from countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. The authorization must be in hand upon entry to the USA and can be obtained at the following official website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov for a fee of US$14, payable by credit or debit card. It is very important to make payments through the official website. Visa Waiver travellers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the United States.
From 21 January 2016 most people who have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria since March 2011, or are dual nationals of these countries, will no longer qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program and existing ESTAs could be revoked. You will instead need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Certain exemptions apply on a case-by-case basis. Bottom line: If in doubt, please contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.
Please consult your reservation consultant/travel agent if you have any questions regarding your eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
All other passport holders should check with the relevant consul.