As the United States continues to apply new measures in an attempt to secure their borders, travellers have been scrambling to keep up with changes that have not been well publicized.
New regulations for travellers, including the use of new technology on passports, have left thousands in visa purgatory, even though they already made the adjustments necessary to align with new regulations.
Biometric Passport Law For U.S. Visitors From Britain
Even though the United States and Britain are among the closest allies in the west, the U.S. still requires that visitors undergo rigorous registration processes to be allowed entry in the country. A popular travel destination for Brits, many take care or requirements, such as acquiring a visitor visa and valid tickets, showing that they’ve gone through the official channels and proving that they’re set to return home to the U.K. after their visit is complete.
However, a new type of biometric passport is now also required when you’re attempting to enter the United States. While many have received this passport without realizing it, tens of thousands may face problems travelling with valid passports, even if they were supposedly issued with the new tech embedded into the document.
Passports Older Than Ten Years May Present Problems
Passports that were produced between April 2006 and October 2006 are most at risk for problems. A portion of these documents have been rejected by U.S. border officials, even though the biometric tech was implemented on the document. As a result, people have had their ESTAs cancelled with very little notice, causing travel chaos.
In one case, ESTAs were cancelled two weeks before Bob Lees’ trip to the states, with no notice and no explanation why his biometric passport was rejected. After driving 140 miles and dropping more than 200 pounds on new documents, he was allowed entry and was eventually reimbursed for his trouble.
Double Check Your Plans Before Your Trip
Considering the changing requirements for foreign travellers to the United States, it’s always good to confirm that you meet all the requirements for entry into the country. If problems arise, acquiring expert counsel is the fastest way to overcome visa issues.
Are you interested in immigrating to the U.S. or moving to Canada? Contact VisaPlace today.
All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
Click here to book your 1 on 1 consultation, or fill out the form on the left.
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
