Idiots Guide to Biometric Passports

Following on from PVGSLF's Idiots guid to the CH,(Actually I am PVGSLF, but I'm using little sis's 'puter and can't be bothered to log out and back in as me ) I would like to ask for an Idiots guide to Biometetric passports.

I never quite understand the literature I read about it, including the threads on V-Flyer.

My understanding is this:

Current machine readable passports issued up to 26 October 2006 will still be valid for the VWP until they expire, even if that is another ten years away.

Bio passports are being phased in, and after 26 October 2006 new issues MUST be biometric.


Am I right, particularly about the VWP?

Originally posted by NuttyBird

Current machine readable passports issued up to 26 October 2006 will still be valid for the VWP until they expire, even if that is another ten years away.

Yes, that's the current position. But the US can change the rules of course, so at some point in the future, this may not be the case.

Bio passports are being phased in, and after 26 October 2006 new issues MUST be biometric.

...if you want to use that passport to enter the US on the Visa Waiver Programme - yes.

The UK Passport Service has said that all passports issued by then (in the UK I presume..) will be biometric. Passports issued abroad may be another matter...

Thank you - Now I can find something else to worry about!

ah ha! Well, that's answered my question. Thanks

I still have another two years on my passport, which has the photo stuck in it, but it is machine readable. Was wondering if I should get a new one before my US trip in October, but I think I will leave it now!