Fly to the USA with the new machine-readable passport
As of October 26, 2004, Italian citizens wishing to travel to the USA must have a machine-readable passport issued by the Italian authorities, in accordance with the Visa Waiver Program.
This requirement will apply to all citizens of countries which participate in the Visa Waiver Program. By September 30, 2004, visitors traveling under the Visa-Waiver Program will be required to enroll in US-VISIT at air and sea ports of entry. As part of the enhanced procedures, visitors have their two index fingers scanned by an inkless device and a digital photograph taken.
Each and every member of a family group or of a group of travellers must hold an individual machine readable passport, including children and infants. Should the old passport be used and for children eventually registered on those of parents, an entry visa must be requested to the US Consulate or Diplomatic Authorities, before travelling to the USA.
People who wish to travel to the USA for leisure or business with their old passports, must apply for a non-immigrant entrance visa. Remember to apply for the visa in due time at the United States consulates in Milan and Naples or at the US Embassy in Rome. At present, the application fee for a non-immigrant visa is 100 euro, non-refundable.
While implementing the Visa Waiver Program, between October 26 and April 25, 2005, the U.S. authorities are allowed to grant a one-time exemption to those entering into the United States without a machine readable passport or nonimmigrant visa. At the granting of the exemption the traveler is issued a letter explaining the United States entry requirements and the one-time exemption is noted on the passport. Travelers will be required to obtain and hold a machine readable passport or visa for their next trip or entry will not be granted.
This exception is not applicable to travelers on route to Canada, Mexico, and neighbouring islands.
The one-time exemption will also apply to children of any age, including infants.
No changes are expected in entrance procedures according to the regulations of the Visa Waiver Program.
For more information on visa-issuing procedures in Italy, consult the US Embassy website at www.usembassy.it/cons
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