Biometric Passports

Do I need to exchange my current passport?

Your current passport will remain valid until its expiry date. You will not need to exchange your passport to a biometric passport, but should apply for a new passport in good time as and when your current passport expires. It is best to allow three weeks for a passport application.

Do I need to change my current passport for a biometric passport to travel to the US?

Most UK citizens will not need to exchange their current digital passport for a biometric book. Please note the following:

Children must have their own individual passports to be eligible for entry to the US under the VWP
Your British passport will qualify for the US Visa Waiver Programme (US VWP) if the personal information page (the page containing your photo, your name and your date of birth) is on an inside page of the passport rather than on the inside back cover.
If your personal information page is on the inside back cover and was issued inside the UK, your passport will qualify for US VWP.
If your personal information page is on the inside back cover and was issued outside the UK, please visit (please note these links will open in a new browser window) www.usembassy.org.uk, www.dhs.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/vwp_travelerguide.pdf or www.fco.gov.uk for more detailed information about US visa and immigration rules.

IPS does not issue visas. If you are unsure about Visa requirements you will needto contact the US Embassy in your country of residence. Their contact details are available on their website.

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24-hour Passport Adviceline: 0300 222 0000 (see terms and conditions). Calls made to 0300 numbers from landlines and mobile phones are charged to customers at their network provider's national rate. Live operators are available to assist with your enquiry 24 hours a day.