Passport Requirements for UK to USA - expiration date
Discussion
Hi.
I am due to fly to USA today for a brief visit, back mid next week. I have a valid ESTA on my current passport, the ESTA was issued in early July this year, for another trip to USA ans is valid til July 27 but onky on my current passport. My current passport runs out in early Feb 26, so I know I will need a new ESTA once I’ve renewed.
My airline won’t let me check in online as it says (basically) ‘no valid ESTA’. I’ve called airline and given them the esta number, (nowhere to enter it on airline API website)” but they added it as a note on the account. Then they tell me to ring another customer service number. I do so and rhey have said they think it is because my passport is ‘not valid’ as it does not have 6 months to run…
I’ve rechecked the Yougov site that says it just needs to be valid for the duration of the stay, for US (British citizen, full,UK passport I have): the IATA travel requirements page linked though the airline website also shows this, ie ETSA and valid passport required.
From what I can see from the US state department site, there is a 6 month requirement on passports at entry, but it is waivered for a big list of countries, the link shows UK is on that list.
Has anyone had this issue with airlines? It seems the ‘AI answer’ on google says 6 months required, but this apparat’s to not be correct when you follow the actual links though to the official sites. But worrying as to why this comes up.
Can someone confirm the requirements for a full UK passport to enter the USA. I had no problems back in July, but my passport had 7 months to run then. Frustrating as this only came up last night as a potential issue when tried online check in, and Customer service was shut til 8am. Over an hour on the phone and I cannot work out if I will be able to fly yet!
Any help appreciated from those with more knowledge and experience.
Ta
I am due to fly to USA today for a brief visit, back mid next week. I have a valid ESTA on my current passport, the ESTA was issued in early July this year, for another trip to USA ans is valid til July 27 but onky on my current passport. My current passport runs out in early Feb 26, so I know I will need a new ESTA once I’ve renewed.
My airline won’t let me check in online as it says (basically) ‘no valid ESTA’. I’ve called airline and given them the esta number, (nowhere to enter it on airline API website)” but they added it as a note on the account. Then they tell me to ring another customer service number. I do so and rhey have said they think it is because my passport is ‘not valid’ as it does not have 6 months to run…
I’ve rechecked the Yougov site that says it just needs to be valid for the duration of the stay, for US (British citizen, full,UK passport I have): the IATA travel requirements page linked though the airline website also shows this, ie ETSA and valid passport required.
From what I can see from the US state department site, there is a 6 month requirement on passports at entry, but it is waivered for a big list of countries, the link shows UK is on that list.
Has anyone had this issue with airlines? It seems the ‘AI answer’ on google says 6 months required, but this apparat’s to not be correct when you follow the actual links though to the official sites. But worrying as to why this comes up.
Can someone confirm the requirements for a full UK passport to enter the USA. I had no problems back in July, but my passport had 7 months to run then. Frustrating as this only came up last night as a potential issue when tried online check in, and Customer service was shut til 8am. Over an hour on the phone and I cannot work out if I will be able to fly yet!
Any help appreciated from those with more knowledge and experience.
Ta
Edited by poo at Paul's on Saturday 6th September 09:53
The airline system will be checking via a system known as Timatic - it tends to err on the side of caution.
The iatatravelcentre website allows you to do a more accurate check access here https://www.iatatravelcentre.com
In essence, you will be fine as your passport is valid for much longer than the duration of your stay. I would allow a little extra time at the airport when you checkin as the checkin procedure still uses Timatic. Take printout of your ESTA just in case you need to show it.
The iatatravelcentre website allows you to do a more accurate check access here https://www.iatatravelcentre.com
In essence, you will be fine as your passport is valid for much longer than the duration of your stay. I would allow a little extra time at the airport when you checkin as the checkin procedure still uses Timatic. Take printout of your ESTA just in case you need to show it.
Edited by Mahalo on Saturday 6th September 10:54
As per here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry...
Passport validity requirements
To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.
If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.
As Twig said, there was a time before 2018 when you could get your UK passport renewed 'early' and you wouldn't lose any of the unused life on the old passport, so the expiry date on the new one could be more than 10 years after the issued date. (I know, because my passport is like this! Renewed in Feb 2018 and expiring in Sept 2028).
This can cause problems for travel to the EU and elsewhere - the UK closed this loophole at some point in 2018, I think.
Passport validity requirements
To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.
If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.
As Twig said, there was a time before 2018 when you could get your UK passport renewed 'early' and you wouldn't lose any of the unused life on the old passport, so the expiry date on the new one could be more than 10 years after the issued date. (I know, because my passport is like this! Renewed in Feb 2018 and expiring in Sept 2028).
This can cause problems for travel to the EU and elsewhere - the UK closed this loophole at some point in 2018, I think.
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