Special Notice

29 June 2005

Visa-free travel to the USA for British Citizens extended to 26 October 2006

The US Department of Homeland Security announced, on 15 June 2005, a one year extension of its Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) to 26 October 2006.

VWP countries, including the UK, are required to have a biometric passport issuing system in place by 26 October 2006 in order to continue as members of the Programme and benefit from visa free travel to the US after that date.

The US also announced a requirement that all new passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 must contain a digital photo image to enable the holder to travel to the uSA visa free. The British Consulate in Hong Kong has been issuing passports with digital photos since March 2001.

Please note that this extension does not apply to holders of British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) passports. BN(O) passport holders must still obtain a visa from the US Consulate General before travelling to the USA.

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