Passport Question

Hi,

Quick question, how long does your passport need to be valid for to travel to the USA? Is it still 6 months from your return date? We did ask VH but they just told us to look at the US Embassy but can't find it on there

Thx!

The VH web site says this in their FAQ:

"Q. What should I check with regards to my passport?
A. You must have a FULL and VALID passport to visit the destinations we feature on this website. It needs to be valid for 90 days from the date of departure. Also, please ensure that the names and initials on your flight tickets are the same as your passport."

But interestingly this is in the section entitled "passports and visas info for holidays outside the USA" There is no mention of a time limit in the USA section.

It can all be checked out here

Thx. Actually just noticed the post a couple of days ago about the same thing....whoops!

Thanks again for your help.

Originally posted by AndyR
Hi,

Quick question, how long does your passport need to be valid for to travel to the USA? Is it still 6 months from your return date? We did ask VH but they just told us to look at the US Embassy but can't find it on there

Thx!

US Embassy site says this:

"If traveling under the Visa Waiver Program, the passport must be valid for at least 90 days from the date on which the holder enters the United States. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport. Note: Passport holders from Andorra, Brunei, and San Marino must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months from the date of departure from the United States, even if traveling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program."

Link is http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/vi ... idity.html

So it would appear that the word "must" in the first sentence isn't really true as they will simply admit you for less than the 90 days if your passport has shorter validity than that. FCO recommendation though is to renew your passport if it has less than 6 months validity on it but no proper reason is given for that.

In the past, I believe passengers have had problems with airlines enforcing the rules more strictly than US immigration (if that is possible!) and refusing to carry people with less than 90 days validity on their passport. Getting a straight answer from VS about this one was difficult at one stage - no idea what their reply would be now.

Chris