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U.S. Dept. of State
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E-Passports and the Visa Waiver Program

(日本語)

From October 26, 2006, individuals entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program will be required to carry an ICAO-compliant e-Passport if the passport was issued on or after October 26, 2006.

Not all VWP travelers will immediately require e-Passports. Any VWP traveler who carries a valid, machine-readable passport with a digital photograph issued before October 26, 2006 will not need an e-Passport until his/her existing passport expires. In addition, a VWP traveler with a valid, machine-readable passport without a digital photograph will not need an e-Passport until his/her existing one expires if the machine-readable passport was issued before October 26, 2005.

Note: The issuance of e-passports after October 26, 2006 in some VWP participating countries is optional. If the citizen chooses not to have an e-passport, he/she will need a B1/B2 visa to enter the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Information: