There have been some changes to passport and visa requirements for British Citizens entering the USA.
From 1 October 2004 all visitors to the USA on the visa waiver programme (VWP) will require a machine readable passport (MRP). This means no change for British passport holders with a RED passport, with the personal details printed by the machine below the photograph. Most UK passports issued since 1988 are MRP but all passports issued overseas or the old Blue passports may not comply with this requirement.
Children must have their own passport. Children will not be able to enter the USA under the VWP if they are included on a parents passport, even if their's is a MRP.
Applying for a US visa is a lengthy process, therefore we recommend you simply renew your passport to obtain a MRP. Similarly if children are on a parents passport you must obtain a MR passport for each child.
These new requirements are in addition to the following existing restrictions under the VWP;
If you are unsure please contact the US embassy at www.usembassy.co.uk or obtain advice from the UK passport office on 0870 521 0410 or at www.passport.gov.uk
In November 2004 the US imigration department instigated a policy of fingerprinting and taking photo ID on entry into the United States. The majority of this is done whilst the imigration officer is processing your visa waver form, so this takes a only a few moments longer. But can add half an hour or so to your time going through imigration. Don't worry the fingerprinting is done by scanning one finger on each hand in a light box, so you will not press your fingers onto paper with black ink, like a criminal.