Travelers from VWP Countries Must Now Use Electronic Passports

06 Apr Travelers from VWP Countries Must Now Use Electronic Passports

DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson announced that, per the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act (PL 114-113), all travelers coming to the United States from the 38 countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must have an electronic passport, or e-Passport, effective April 1, 2016. An e-Passport contains an electronic chip that holds a passenger’s name, date of birth, and other biographical information. Travelers who do not have an e-Passport from a Visa Waiver country must obtain a visa to come to the United States.