As of June 26, 2005, all individuals entering the United States as Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers will be required to have machine readable passports to be admissible to the United States.  Substantial fines will be imposed on carriers found to be in violation.  All individuals entering as VWPs who do not already possess machine readable passports are strongly encouraged to apply for new passports as soon as possible, and well before the June 26, 2006 deadline. 

Please see the DHS press releases below:

DHS press release - 5/12/05

DOS press release - 5/12/05

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