Entering the US without a biometric passport

Chirimoya · #1 10-28-2009, 11:16 AM

I'm sure this is impossible, but just to confirm on behalf of a neighbour - is there any way a Swiss passport holder can visit the US without a biometric passport?

AnnaC · #2 10-28-2009, 11:36 AM

I hope this helps.

If you are a traveler from a VWP country and your passport does not meet these requirements, you may want to consider obtaining a new VWP-compliant passport from the passport issuing authority in your country of citizenship. Otherwise you cannot travel under VWP and you must obtain a visa in your valid passport for entry into the United States.

Taken from Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Chirimoya · #3 10-28-2009, 11:38 AM

Does that mean yes, but they have to get a US visa?

AnnaC · #4 10-28-2009, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chirimoya

Does that mean yes, but they have to get a US visa?

That is how I'm reading it Chiri. Your Swiss born neighbour will need a visa along with the valid passport in order to enter the US. So the question is which is easier to get, a new passport or a visa?

Chirimoya · #5 10-28-2009, 11:51 AM

She says the Swiss embassy told her that she needs to go back to Switzerland to get a biometric passport. It remains to be seen whether the US consulate here will accept a visa application as she is not a DR resident.

AnnaC · #6 10-28-2009, 12:15 PM

I'm not having any luck finding that info but it could be because they have voted to also include finger prints in the passport.

here is the link Swiss Abroad

Chirimoya · #7 10-28-2009, 12:19 PM

Thanks Anna - yes, she mentioned the fingerprint thing.

AnnaC · #8 10-28-2009, 12:34 PM

Hang on, I found this ESTA Web Site Now Available in 13 Additional Languages for U.S.-Bound Travelers from Visa Waiver Countries - CBP.gov

Best thing is to call the US embassy and ask.

J D Sauser · #9 10-28-2009, 01:02 PM

Swiss Nationals holding a non biometric BUT electronically readable passport known as Model "03" issue BEFORE October 26th 2006 is valid for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
Holders of "03" passports issued after above date NEED to apply for a visa at the US consulate of their jurisdiction (I you live legally in the DR, the US consulate in Santo Domingo).
I you have a non-electronically readable Swiss passport (pre Model "03") you will need to get a new passport (either an "06" eligible for entry under the VWP or a "03" and apply for a visa).

Please read this page: Visa Waiver Program - U.S. Embassy Bern Switzerland

Holders of all "06" passports are eligible for entry under VWP. However, that passport can only be applied for in Switzerland or a few select Swiss Consulates throughout the world (the Swiss consulate in Santo Domingo is NOT one of them!) if your biometric data has NOT been taken, as only these few select Swiss consulates have the technical setup to take them.

I May of 2010 there will be an altogether NEW Model "10" Swiss passport, which is biometric and also has a chip. This one shall be available at ALL Swiss consulates which shall all be equipped with the technology to take the data and will also be eligible for entry under the VWP.

... J-D.

Chirimoya · #10 10-28-2009, 01:07 PM

[Reply to Anna] She has done this and she showed me the form confirming she had been authorised, but I wasn't sure it permitted the traveller to enter without biometric passports.

I'm going to have to call the embassy on her behalf because she doesn't speak English or Spanish, and she said that they hung up on her when she asked if anyone spoke French.

Thanks JD - I will pass this on to her.