July 16, 2003. The Department of State issued a reminder today that effective October 1, 2003, only Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) will be accepted for U.S. entry under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Citizens of countries participating in the VWP are eligible to apply for temporary visitor entry to the United States for periods of up to 90 days, without having to first obtain a "B-1" or "B-2" visitor's visa from a U.S. Consulate abroad.

In addition, we have been advised that each individual, regardless of age, must be in possession of his or her own machine readable passport. This essentially means that a parent's passport that contains the names of a child (or children), will no longer be valid for the visa waiver application of the child.

If individuals are unable to obtain a Machine Readable Passport, they will need to apply for a visitor classification (B-1/B-2) Machine Readable Visa (MRV) from a U.S. consulate abroad. Full details of the new VWP requirements may be found at the VWP website: http://travel.state.gov/vwp.html.