UK passport question

Real quick. Does anyone know if a UK passport has to have more than 6 months left before it expires before entering the USA?

I think that guideline applies to all passports.  However, a UK collegue entered the US with only one month left on his andit was fine.  Did get a few extra questions, but ultimately had return ticket for 3 days later and immigration let him through.  But it is a risk and could cause issues.

In general, yes, but as karin mentions, you could get lucky and get a nice IO.  I wouldn't risk it though.

It is because if you are ill whilst you are in the country and you have to stay long term it is to insure you don't over stay the length you are allowed into the country...

If your passport is getting close to expiry now, it would be a good idea to renew as soon as possible anyway.  From October of this year all new applications and renewals are going to require attendance at an interview in the lead-up to the ID scheme.

My passport doesn't expire until 2008, but I've just requested the forms to renew anyway.   You can have "unexpired" time on an existing U.K. passport added to the new one up to a maximum of 9 months.


http://www.renewforfreedom.org/

If your passport is getting close to expiry now, it would be a good idea to renew as soon as possible anyway.  From October of this year all new applications and renewals are going to require attendance at an interview in the lead-up to the ID scheme.

My passport doesn't expire until 2008, but I've just requested the forms to renew anyway.   You can have "unexpired" time on an existing U.K. passport added to the new one up to a maximum of 9 months.


http://www.renewforfreedom.org/

Is this only for people who renew or request new applications in the UK?  My passport expires in 2008 as well and I may be back in the US.  Will the same be the case if I renew my passport with the British Embassy there?

My apologies -- I made one mistake there.    

I just received the forms, and they make it clear that the interview requirement from October applies only to first-time U.K. passport applicants.    Renewals will still be safe for a little longer, whether issued within the country or elsewhere.

Looking at the passport literature, the www.passport.gov.uk website and the related information on the www.no2id.net website, it does seem as though the interview requirements could be extended to renewals at any time after that though, so it's probably still a good idea to renew sooner rather than later to avoid the hassle (not to mention the biometric scans which are on the way and the near doubling of price).

According to the news item on the pamphlet, they're also starting to roll out passports with a biometric chip in them this year which will -- initially -- just store a digitized version of the photograph:

In 2006, we will introduce biometric passports.  Biometric technology uses the unique features that we all have.  The first biometric passports will have new security features, including a chip which will include the facial biometrics captured from the photo sent with your application. 

We have been issuing the current digital passport since 1998.  We will introduce the biometric passport gradually over a period of six to nine months in 2006.  We will start by producing a small number of new passports.   During the early stages of the scheme, some people will receive a biometric passport but most customers will receive a digital passport.   We will switch over completely to the biometric passports once we are confident to do so.  Whether you receive a digital or biometric passport will not affect your travel arrangements as both types will continue to be recognised internationally.

From 1 October 2006, if you are an adult (over 16) applying for your first passport, you will need to have an interview as part of the application process........

Followed by a load more baloney about how this will make us all more secure that I can't be bothered to type out!