Older Passports Still Valid for Travelling to the U.S., Biometric Passports Needed for Visa Waiver Travelling

March 19, 2009

Visitors to the United States with older passports that lack biometric data but with valid visas can travel to the U.S. until the passport’s or the visa’s validity expires (whichever comes first). They do not have to apply for an ESTA authorization.

Czech citizens who plan to use the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must submit a request through the Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA) at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.  VWP travelers must have a biometric passport, issued by Czech authorities since September 2006.  Biometric passports issued before March 31, 2009 contain a digital picture of the holder; they will also contain two fingerprints as of April 1, 2009.  Travelers can use both types of biometric passports (with photo or photo and fingerprints) for the ESTA registration.

At the point of entry, all visitors to the U.S., whether they have visas or ESTA registration, must go through immigration control.

Useful links:

• Visa Waiver Program
  
• Non-immigrant (tourist) visas to the U.S.
  
• Press Release from the Czech Interior Ministry on new passports with two biometric data
  
• Web chat with Consul General Stuart Hatcher