Passports validitymformUSA

[Vipers]

Having a trip booked to the states with only 5 months left on my passport, I enquired with Aberdeen Airport Immigration if I needed 6 months left on my passport for travel to the states, they said I definately needed 6 months. So a quick booking at my local passport office at mega bucks for a new one, resulted in a new passport.

Meanwhile I enquired if I had to renew my ESTA form as I had renewed my passport, the response surprised me, and thought I would share the knoweldge.

I explained I only had 5 months left on my passport, so had it renewed, and would I need another ESTA authorisation, this is their response.

From: "CBP INFO Center<[e-mail]>" <[e-mail]>
To: xxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, 1 August 2013, 22:03

Dear Colin,
You need a new ESTA if you got a new passport. That part of the form cannot be updated. I am sorry to tell you this now, but a UK passport is valid until it expires for travel to the US. I hope this answer helps.

Mark

---

Upshot is that my local immigration chappies were WRONG, I didn't have to renew my passport, 5 months would have been good, it cost me a return trip to Glasgow from Aberdeem, plus an extra 40 quid for the same day service for a new passport.

Just I thought I would pass this on.

[Nickyboy]

Yes, renewing your passport means new ESTA needed. Had to get a new one last year when i renewed

[Vipers]

Nickyboy said:

Yes, renewing your passport means new ESTA needed. Had to get a new one last year when i renewed

I had only just renewed mine when I queried the 5 month validity on the passport, anything for money.

When I travel I will be asking the immigration about that, bet they all say 6 months left to travel. Watch this space.

[GCH]

Firstly, new passport = new ESTA. Both of my UK passports had a valid ESTA (before I gained permanent residence), as it applies to the passport itself- not the person.

Secondly, no you don't need it to have six months validity for the US.
This is a requirement for some countries, but the UK is exempt from this requirement. I once entered the US with 3 weeks left- no problems.

A quick google would have given you this: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/visaservices/?p=485

Edited by GCH on Wednesday 7th August 11:12

[twinturboz]

GCH said:

Secondly, no you don't need it to have six months validity for the US.
This is a requirement for some countries, but the UK is exempt from this requirement.

What he said. I went out there 2 months ago with less than 2 months on the passport when I entered.

[Vipers]

GCH said:

Firstly, new passport = new ESTA. Both of my UK passports had a valid ESTA (before I gained permanent residence), as it applies to the passport itself- not the person.

Secondly, no you don't need it to have six months validity for the US.
This is a requirement for some countries, but the UK is exempt from this requirement. I once entered the US with 3 weeks left- no problems.

A quick google would have given you this: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/visaservices/?p=485

Edited by GCH on Wednesday 7th August 11:12

Thanks for link, but as I said, I asked immigration at Aberdeen airport and it was they who said 6.