CBP Reminds Visa Waiver Travelers of New Emergency/Temporary Passport Requirements Effective July 1

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently reminded Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers that effective July 1, 2009, all VWP emergency or temporary passports must be electronic. Under the VWP, an e-Passport contains an integrated chip that stores biographic data, a digitized photograph, and other information about the true bearer as indicated by a symbol on the passport cover. In lieu of a e-Passport, foreign nationals may apply for visitor’s visas from the State Department instead of traveling through the VWP.

CBP may exercise discretion for those who do not have e-Passports if they are traveling for medical or other emergency reasons.

More info: CBP Announcement