Only passports with chips to enter the USA - is this for real?

[FlyboyAl]

Interesting article here saying that if you don't have a chip in your passport you won't get into the USA.
Is this sensationalising a situation, or true?
I have a chip in mine and have not had any issues, but I'm sure there are still some old passports out there.
New Passport Rule Means You Could Be DENIED Entry To USA | Mix 102.3 - Adelaide's Widest Variety of Music

 

[opusman]

Yes it's true, but chip passports have been the norm for a long time now. Australia has been issuing them since 2005 so there are no unexpired Australian passports without chips.

 

[Peter D]

Is this sensationalising a situation, or true?

Both.
As Opusman says Australia has had chips for over ten years. So no problem.

The example quoted related to a British case. British passports got chips in 2006 so it looks like someone with very old passport got caught.

 

[whatmeworry]

Mind you the LOTFAP still requires a number of EU nations to get Visas to get into the USA.

https://euobserver.com/foreign/133179

 

[Hvr]

This issue is also on the UK news as well with reports that some people have recently been refused entry to the US. At least they don't have as long to fly as long as we do to get back.

 

[Peter D]

I looked at my still valid visa waiver and no mention of the need for an E passport.
But the ESTA webpage now states that from 1[SUP]st[/SUP] April 2016 you must have an E passport. So I suppose some people will be caught out.

It is only for the visa waiver programme so I guess one can still use an actual visa.

 

[opusman]

Yes even if you have an approved ESTA you still need a chipped passport.

 

[Dr Ralph]

I thought this was old news.