The Department of Homeland Security has announced that an e-passport will now be required for all travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP, or sometimes known as ESTA).

The Department's official press release states that an 

e-passport helps to protect privacy and prevent identity theft, as well as to safely identify a passenger, as it contains an electronic chip that holds a passenger's biographical information.

Who is affected by this change?

Anyone who is otherwise eligible to travel under the VWP. This includes citizens or nationals of the 38 countries that participate in the program. To read more about the VWP, go to:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html

If you have questions about your immigration options, please contact us at TheTeam@huwelaw.com.