The US Consulate General has reminded those who are able to travel to the United States via the Visa Waiver Program that they must have a valid electronic passport as of April 1, 2016.

It is emphasised that the rule also applies to those who possess a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

The Consulate General has strongly recommended that all travellers check to ensure their passports are valid electronic passports before they make arrangements to travel to the United States on the Visa Waiver Program.

Persons can check if their passport is valid for travel under the VWP by reading the following page: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/visit/visa-waiver-program.html.

Any traveller who does not have a valid electronic passport is still eligible to travel to the United States with a valid non-immigrant visa issued by a US embassy or consulate. Such travellers will be required to appear for an interview and obtain a visa in their passports at a US embassy or consulate before travelling to the US.

Information on visa applications can be found at: http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html.