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Passport Requirements for ESTA to travel on the Visa Waiver Program

Passport Requirements

Passports issued on or after October 26, 2006: e-Passports

New passports issued by Visa Waiver Program countries must be e-Passports, which include an integrated computer chip capable of storing biographic information from the data page, as well as other biometric information, such as the required digital photograph of the holder. You can identify an e-Passport by the symbol.



If your passport does not have this feature, you can still travel without a visa if it is a valid passport issued:

  • Before October 26, 2005, and includes a machine-readable zone, or
  • Between October 26, 2005, and October 25, 2006, and includes a digital photograph.

If you were issued a passport on or after October 26, 2006, and it is not an e-Passport, you will need to obtain a visa. Please view "Non-Immigrant Visa" webpage.

 

Passports issued October 26, 2005 - October 25, 2006: Digital Photographs

Older, but still valid passports issued or renewed/extended by Visa Waiver Program countries between October 26, 2005, and October 25, 2006, must include a digital photo printed on the data page, or the traveler will be required to obtain a visa. A digital photo is one that is printed on the page, not a photo that is glued or laminated into the passport.

 
If your passport does not have this feature, you can still travel without a visa if you:

  • Were issued a valid passport before October 26, 2005, with a machine-readable zone, or
  • You have “e-Passport,” which includes an integrated computer chip capable of storing biographic information from the data page, a digitized photograph, and other biometric information.

If you are issued a passport on or after October 26, 2005, and it does not meet the requirements in either Sections A or B, you will need to obtain a visa. Please view "Non-Immigrant Visa" webpage.

Passports issued before October 26, 2005: Machine-Readable Zones

Older, but still valid passports issued by Visa Waiver Program countries before October 26, 2005, must have a machine-readable zone. A machine-readable passport has two lines of text as letters, numbers and chevrons (<<<) at the bottom of the personal information page, along with the bearer’s picture.

If your passport does not have this feature, you have two options:

  • Get a qualifying, new passport if your country of nationality is producing one, or
  • Get a visa. Please View “Non-Immigrant Visa” webpage.

Please contact your passport-issuing agency or your local embassy if you have questions about your country’s production of a qualifying e-Passport.