Australian High Commission
Canada
Address: Suite 710, 50 O'Connor Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 6L2 - Tel: 613-236-0841 - Fax: 613-236-4376

New Requirements for US Visa Waiver Program

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) applicants from Australia and other approved countries must present a passport that:

• Is machine-readable if issued prior to 26 October 2005;
• Is machine-readable and has a digital photograph if issued on/after 26 October 2005; or
• Is an e-Passport if issued on/after 26 October 2006.

The various laws governing the VWP do not provide an exception for temporary and emergency passports. Effective 1 July 2009, all emergency or temporary passports must be e-Passports to be eligible for travel to the United States, including transit through the United States, under the VWP.

Travellers who must travel on emergency or temporary passports that are not e-passports should make every attempt to obtain a U.S. Visa. U.S. Embassies and Consulates will accommodate emergency visa applications to the extent possible.

Australian Emergency Passports are currently not e-Passports. e-Passports are easily identified by the symbol on the front cover.