The US Department of Homeland Security issued a notice recently about electronic passports that caused some confusion. All Irish passports issued since October 2006 are electronic. This means there is a small integrated circuit or chip embedded in the photograph page. The front page has a small gold symbol representing a microchip under Pas/Passport.
The chip securely stores a digitised image of the photo and personal details of the passport holder as they appear on the data page, which allows the use of facial recognition technology. See dhs.gov/e-passports.
This requirement applies to all 38 countries under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), of which Ireland is part. The VWP allows for visits of up to 90 days for business or leisure. Though we have a visa waiver programme, you still need to apply for the electronic system for travel authorisation (ESTA). This is the online version of the long form we had to fill out at the airport. It can only be accessed at: http://iti.ms/1qPSnO7. It costs $14 (€12)to apply and is valid for two years. Part of the cost is applied towards funding the US tourism marketing organisation called Brand USA.
Be careful of scam websites for ESTAs, they will take your money and give you nothing. Many of these sites look official but the US government has not been able to deactivate them.
It is recommended that you apply up to three weeks in advance. When you complete the form, you will be issued with a number. Print it out and keep it with your passport.
Also when travelling to the US you will be required to provide the airline with advance passenger information ( API). This means your passport details, though some airlines will ask for an emergency contact number too.
jscales@irishtimes.com
