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Required Travel Documents |
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Page last updated: 29 September, 2005
Welcome to the American Airlines Travel Agency web pages.
This page details American Airlines Policy and Procedure
with regard to Travel Documents.
Please use the links below to navigate to the subject of your choice.
You can use the mini-menu on the right to return
to the Homepage, or to navigate to other areas within the site.
Thank you for your continued support.
| Visas |
Visa Waiver Permanent Programme (VWPP) |
Passports |
| US-Visit Programme - Applies to VWPP passengers |
ATP Programme (Formerly TWOV) |
|
Questions & Answers about the Visa Waiver Permanent Programme |
| NEW U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS |
| Customs Allowances for U.S. Entry |
Visas
Information on obtaining a United States Entrance Visa can
be obtained from United States Consulate or Embassy
located in the passenger's country of citizenship.
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Visa Waiver Permanent Programme (VWPP)
| Overview | Conditions for Travel Under the VWPP
| Requirements for VWPP Passenger Qualification |
Overview
The Visa Waiver Permanent Programme(VWPP) provides for travel
to the United States without a visa for citizens of specified
countries. It was a pilot programme which was made permanent in
October 2000. The programme was established to determine if a
visa waiver could facilitate travel to the U.S. for approved
visitors.
There are currently 27 countries participating in the visa
waiver programme. They are as follows:
| Andorra |
Iceland |
Norway |
| Australia |
Ireland |
Portugal |
| Austria |
Italy |
San Marino |
| Belgium |
Japan |
Singapore |
| Brunei |
Liechtenstein |
Slovenia |
| Denmark |
Luxembourg |
Spain |
| Finland |
Monaco |
Sweden |
| France |
Netherlands |
Switzerland |
| Germany |
New Zealand |
United Kingdom |
Update: Please also see our Q & A section
and Passports sections (below) for important information about the
visa waiver programme.
| return to top | return to Visa Waiver Permanent Programme Index |
Conditions for Travel Under the VWPP
- Passengers desiring to travel under the VWPP will complete an
information form (I-791 and I-94) supplied by travel agencies
and INS offices at certain U.S. Embassies, or by the
participating carriers prior to boarding.
- The form details the
requirements for qualification. Passengers will also continue
to complete the I-94 form. The form is available in English,
Japanese, French, German, Swedish, Dutch and Italian. Forms
are not distributed to AA passengers in Italian or Dutch at
this time.
Update: Please also see our Q & A section
and Passports sections (below) for important information about the
visa waiver programme.
| return to top | return to Visa Waiver Permanent Programme Index |
Requirements for VWPP Passenger Qualification
- Effective June 26, 2005, passengers must hold machine-readable
passport (MRP).* Must be issued for each accompanying family
member, including infants.
*Please see section on MRP).
- Travel is for holiday or business purposes only.
- Passenger will stay up to 90 days or less.
- Passenger arrives on a carrier that has signed agreement I-775
with the U.S. Immigration.
- Passenger holds a signed form I-94W (Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure
form issued either by a carrier having signed the
agreement I-775 or by a travel agency). A separate form
must be filled in for each child included in parents
passport.
- Passenger holds onward/return ticket (or electronic ticket record
or return passages) with a final destination to a country
other than Canada, Mexico or countries/islands situated in
or bordering the Caribbean sea, unless passenger holds
proof of residence in such country/islands in which case
onward/return ticket to that country accepted. Ticket
validity is considered 1 year regardless of fare type.
- Passenger is a non-immigrant.
Please see Timatic for more information.
Update: Please also see our Q & A section
and Passports sections (below) for important information about the
visa waiver programme.
| return to top | return to Visa Waiver Permanent Programme Index |
Passports
| Passports Overview | British Passports | Machine Readable Passports |
Requirements for Minors |
Passports Overview
All passengers wishing to enter the U.S.A. must hold the
required documents e.g. visa (if required) and a valid
passport. Passport must be up-to-date and valid for the
duration of stay. Effective June 26 2005, all passengers must hold a machine-readable passport.
See below for more details.
| Citizens of San Marino, Brunei and Andorra
must hold a passport which is valid for 6 months
beyond the duration of their stay in the U.S. Please advise passengers to check with
the U.S. Embassy in their country of residence for
up-to-date passport/visa requirements. |
| return to top | return to passports index |
British Passports
Requirements for British Citizens:
- Passport required (Must be MRP effective June 26, 2005).
- Visa required for visit over 90-days
- May travel under Visa Waiver Permanent Programme with visa waiver
information form I-94w, provided by American Airlines (AA).
- Return or onward ticket.
Requirements for British Subjects:
- Passport required
- Visa required
- British subject, British dependent territories citizen,
- British overseas citizen and British national overseas do not
qualify for Visa Waiver Permanent Programme.
- Passport and visa required.
| return to top | return to Passports Index |
Machine Readable Passports
| Overview | 21 June 2005: DHS Press Release |
Overview
Machine-readable passports (MRP) allow data in the passport to be scanned automatically by a machine.
MRP consist of two lines of letters, numbers and chevrons printed at the bottom of the personal
information page. If a passenger is in any doubt as to whether or not their
passport is a machine-readable passport, they should check with the passport issuing authority of
their country of citizenship.
Update April 2005.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has provided an update related to the Machine-Readable Passport
requirement.
Effective June 26, 2005, each passenger who wishes to enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver
Program (VWP), must have a Machine-Readable Passport (MRP). Children, including
babies, must also have their own MRP when traveling under the VWP.
Effective June 26, 2005, CBP will impose a fine against the carrier for allowing a person to travel
to the U.S. without a Machine-Readable Passport when travelling under the VWP.
Passengers may still travel to the U.S. with a non-machine readable passport, provided they are
holding a valid U.S. visa, should their nationality require one. The current requirement for
certain VWP nationals to hold a Machine-Readable Passport remains in place.
Note: The requirement for a Machine-Readable Passport remains in place for nationals of
Andorra, Belgium, Brunei, Liechtenstein and Slovenia who wish to enter the U.S. under the VWP. The
new policy will apply for all VWP travellers effective June 26, 2005.
(Update: Please also see our Q & A section below for important information about the
visa waiver programme and electronic passport requirements.)
21 June 2005: DHS Press Release
DHS to Require Digital Photos in Passports for Visa Waiver Travelers
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
June 15, 2005
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff announced today that Visa
Waiver Program (VWP) countries will be required to produce passports with digital photographs
by October 26, 2005. On that date, all VWP countries must also present an acceptable plan to
begin issuing integrated circuit chips, or e-passports, within one year.
This announcement relates to the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002
requirement that any passport issued after October 26, 2005, and used for Visa Waiver
Program (VWP) travel to the United States, must include a biometric identifier based on applicable
standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
"The electronic passport is the path to secure and streamlined travel among Visa Waiver Program
countries," said Secretary Chertoff. "These passport requirements will maintain and strengthen
the integrity of the Visa Waiver Program in a manner consistent with congressional intent and
international standards. We are pleased by the progress of many Visa Waiver countries in
complying with these requirements and we look forward to working with all participating
countries toward their speedy and complete adoption."
After extensive consultation with Congress and the Department of State, DHS is requiring by
October 26, 2005, a digital photograph of the passport holder's face printed on the data page
of the passport. DHS will impose an October 26, 2006 deadline for the integrated circuit chip,
or e-passport, capable of storing the biographic information from the data page, a digitized
photograph, and other biometric information in travel documents. Valid passports issued before
October 26, 2005, will still be accepted for travel under the auspices of the VWP, provided
that the passports are machine-readable.
In order to facilitate compliance with e-passport requirements, DHS will create a validation
process for VWP countries to test their e-passport prior to issuance. An upcoming technical
conference with VWP countries and the United States government will clarify the details of
this validation process, which will require that all e-passports be submitted by September 1,
2006 in order to be validated by October 26, 2006.
In addition to the digital photo and chip requirements, DHS is taking steps to strengthen
document integrity by requiring VWP countries to commit to several measures concerning lost
and stolen passports. Among them, DHS will require VWP countries to report all lost and
stolen passports to INTERPOL and DHS, report all intercepted lost and stolen passports and
increase information sharing between VWP countries and the United States government on trends
and analysis of lost and stolen passports.
In another step toward the implementation of the e-passport, DHS and the Department of State
are conducting a "live test" with the governments of Australia and New Zealand. The "live test"
begins today at Los Angeles International Airport and at the Sydney Airport in Australia, and
will continue throughout the summer. Airline crew and officials from United Airlines, Air New
Zealand and Qantas Airlines have volunteered to use the e-passport when arriving at either
airport. Their participation will enable DHS to further test operations, equipment and software
needed to read and verify the information contained in an e-passport.
The 27 countries participating in the VWP include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium,
Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
As previously announced, effective June 26, 2005, any traveler from these 27 countries is also
required to be in possession of a machine-readable passport to enter the United States. Last
year, approximately 15 million VWP travelers visited the United States.
| return to top | return to Passports Index |
Requirements for Minors
Minors traveling alone or travelling with only one parent
require a notarized letter of consent from the other parent.
In cases of divorce or if one parent is deceased, either a
court order of custody or a death certificate is required.
For more information, please see our Minors page.
In addition, effective June 26 2005, all children,
including babies, must also have their own machine-readable
passport for entry into the U.S. under the Visa Waiver
Programme. Many children are included on one of their
parent's passports but from June 2005, this will no
longer be acceptable for entry into the United States under
the Visa Waiver Programme.
Please see timatic for further information
| return to top | return to Passports Index |
US-Visit Programme - Applies to VWPP Passengers
On January 5, 2004 customs and border protection (CBP) will
launch the US-VISIT (Visitor and Immigration Status Indicator
Technology)programme. The US-VISIT programme will capture entry
and exit information of certain visitors to the united states.
All persons visiting the U.S. who require a visa, will be
photographed and fingerprinted upon arrival and departure.
Effective September 30, 2004, visitors travelling to the
U.S. under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) will be subject
to US-VISIT. Currently this means nationals of an
additional 27 countries will be photographed and
fingerprinted upon arrival in the U.S. Beginning that date,
the countries will include: Andorra, Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,
Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San
Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
the United Kingdom.
Additionally, citizens of the above countries currently
require the following documents to enter the U.S. as
tourists (90 days or less):
- Valid passport (must be MRP effective June 26, 2005).
- Visa waiver information form
- Return/onward ticket
Please see timatic for further information.
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ATP Programme (Formerly TWOV))
The United States Secretary of Homeland Security and the
Department of State signed rules suspending the ATP (Air
Transport Programme - formerly known as the Transit Without
Visa - TWOV Programme) effective as of August 2, 2003 at
11:00 am EST
The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection
(CBP) will no longer permit aliens to transit the United
States for travel to a foreign destination without a visa,
unless another valid visa exception applies.
Please see timatic for futher information
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Questions & Answers about the Visa Waiver Permanent Programme
The following "Questions & Answers" document, distributed by
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, summarizes the most important information and updates regarding
the Visa Waiver Permanent Programme.
What is the Visa Waiver Program?
If you are a national from a Visa Waiver Program-designated
country, you are allowed to apply for admission to the United States for ninety
(90) days or less as a nonimmigrant visitor
for business or pleasure without first obtaining a U.S. nonimmigrant visa.
What are the Visa Waiver Program countries?
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
How do I know if I have a machine-readable passport?
Machine-readable passports have a sequence of lines that can be
swiped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to quickly confirm the
passport holder's identity and obtain other
information about the holder typically found on a passport's inside cover.
You may obtain information as to whether your passport is machine-readable
at your country's nearest Consulate or Embassy or passport-issuing office.
What happens if I am applying for admission under the Visa Waiver Program,
but I dont have a machine-readable passport by June 26, 2005?
Since October 26, 2004, CBP has granted,
on a case-by-case basis, a one-time parole for Visa Waiver Program applicants who
apply for admission and are not in possession of an MRP. This policy will
continue until June 26, 2005. On that date, if VWP travelers
are not in possession of a machine-readable passport, they should not
anticipate to be permitted to board an aircraft or
cruise ship and if VWP travelers arrive at a U.S. port of entry, they may be
denied admission to the United States.
Is it going to cost me anything for the parole?
At the present time, there is no fee for parole granted in these circumstances.
After June 26, 2005, if you are not in possession of a machine-readable passport,
you will likely not be permitted to board an aircraft
or cruise ship and if you do arrive at a U.S. port of entry,
you may be denied admission to the United States. Individuals
without machine-readable passports who are granted parole after that
date will be charged the usual parole fee of $65.
Is there any alternative to me getting a machine-readable passport?
As an alternative, you may obtain a
nonimmigrant visa in your current passport from a U.S. Consulate or Embassy.
If I am applying for admission under the Visa Waiver Program and I am
granted a parole for not having a machine-readable passport, what will
happen if I return to the United States on a subsequent visit without
a machine-readable passport or a nonimmigrant visa?
If you apply for admission in the future without the required machine-readable
passport or without a nonimmigrant visa, you will be denied entry to
the United States and may be detained until removed.
If I am applying for admission under the Visa Waiver Program
and I am granted a parole, can I make a side-trip to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands?
If you travel to Canada or Mexico or the
adjacent islands as part of this trip to the United States,
you may be found inadmissible upon your reentry, despite the period
of parole on your I-94, as parole authorization terminates upon your
departure from the United States.
Does this policy apply to the Guam Visa Waiver Program?
No.
Prior to June 26, 2005, will the parole
procedures be available to all Visa Waiver Program travelers?
No, the parole procedures will
be available to nationals of twenty-two (22) designated Visa Waiver Program countries.
The designated countries are: Australia, Austria, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan,
Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway,
Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
As of October 1, 2003, nationals of the following four countries
were required to present an MRP for admission under the VWP:
Andorra, Brunei, Liechtenstein, and Slovenia. CBP will continue
to recognize that effective date and the current parole procedures will not affect that policy.
As of May 16, 2003, nationals of Belgium were required to
present an MRP for admission under the VWP. CBP will continue
to recognize that effective date and the current parole procedures will not affect that policy.
I am applying under the Visa Waiver Program and my child is listed on my machine-readable passport.
Will my child be affected by this new policy?
Yes, each VWP applicant must now present an individual passport. Families must
have individual machine-readable passports for everyone, including children.
I understand that the biometric requirement for Visa Waiver Program country
passports was extended to October 26, 2005, did that also extend the
requirement for all Visa Waiver Program applicants to present an MRP upon
admission into the United States?
No. Although Congress has extended
until October 26, 2005, the biometric requirement for
Visa Waiver Program country passports, it did not extend the requirement that
all Visa Waiver Program applicants present an MRP upon admission into the United States.
Travelers presenting themselves for admission under the Visa Waiver
Program are required to have a machine-readable passport.
I intend to travel for vacation to the United States arriving at the
Miami International Airport. I then intend to board a cruise
vessel for a Caribbean trip. After reviewing my itinerary I have discovered that
the cruise vessel will be departing for foreign destinations and making
multiple entries at U.S. ports. Will my parole status be affected
by this multiple entries at different U.S. ports?
At this time, travelers who apply for admission at an airport with a non
machine-readable passport for the purpose of departing on a
cruise that makes multiple stops at various U.S. ports may be
considered again for parole at several locations to complete their
trip if they can establish continuous travel from the arrival to cruise and return.
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NEW U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
Updated: 27 September, 2005
American Airlines is working in close cooperation with United States Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) to meet new requirements which come into effect from 4th October 2005 as part
of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS).
Essentially, these new requirements oblige airlines to transmit prior to the departure of U.S.
bound flights selected information about passengers who are non-U.S. citizens. This data is
currently collected by CBP directly from the passenger upon arrival in the US.
Of particular note, is the requirement for each passenger to provide their country of residence.
In addition, visitors to the U.S. are required to provide a full address (street name and number,
city, zip code and state), for their first night's accommodation in the US.
Our aim at American Airlines is to make the process of collecting the required information
as speedy and efficient as possible for our passengers, our reservations agents and our travel
industry partners. We are currently working on systems enhancements, which will enable the
necessary data to be collected from passengers at the time they make their reservation
(either through a travel agency, AA reservations or via the Internet). These systems will come
into operation some time early next year (2006) prior to which we will provide further information
on the procedures and requirements for data collection.
In the interim, we ask for your help to ensure that each passenger be made aware that before
they embark on their journey to the US, they should be prepared to provide U.S. Customs and
Border Protection personnel (or airline representatives acting on the CBP's behalf), in
addition to their valid travel documents, their full address while in the U.S. as previously
indicated.
Questions & Answers
Q: Will American be ready in time for the 4th October deadline?
A: Enhancements to our computer systems, which are due for completion in early 2006, will enable
passengers to easily provide the necessary information at the time that they make their
reservation, simplifying the process of collecting the data to meet the new requirements.
Until this time American will not collect the data pre-departure and it will be collected
by US Custom and Border Protection on arrival in the US as it is currently. CBP is aware
of American's implementation programme. Passengers should be prepared to provide the full
address while in the U.S. on their U.S. Customs Declaration Form upon arrival in the U.S.
Q: Do you expect there to be delays during the passenger's customs clearance upon
arrival in the U.S. as result of these new requirements?
A: No. There should be no delays provided the passenger completed his/her U.S.
Customs Declaration Form properly, including the full address while in the U.S.
(include street name and number, city, zip code and state)
Q: Do you expect there to be delays at check-in as a result of these new requirements?
A: No. There are no delays as American will not begin collecting this data until next year
when enhancements to our computer systems, which are due for completion in early 2006, will
enable passengers to easily provide the necessary information at the time that they make their
reservation, further simplifying the process.
Q: What does American require travel agents to do differently as a result of these new U.S.
government requirements?
A: Nothing. We do ask that you help us to make passengers aware of the information, which they
need to be prepared to provide. Once American has completed its system enhancements, Travel
Agents will be requested to collect the passenger's "Country of Residence" and "Address while
in the U.S." at the time of reservation, as it will expedite our customers airport check-in
process.
Q: What if a passenger does not know their accommodation details?
A: Inability to provide the required information may lead to extended examination of a
passengers travel plans by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on arrival in the U.S.
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Customs Allowances for U.S. Entry
Customs Allowances: Non-resident of U.S:
| Item |
Restriction or Allowance |
| Cameras |
No restrictions |
| Currency |
Over $10,000.00 must be declared |
| Firearms |
Need import license obtained prior to arrival. |
| Gifts |
With minimum stay of 72 hours -
allowed $100.00 gift exemption,
provided this gift exemption has not
been claimed within the previous 6
months. No liquor or cigarettes in the
gift allowance. If less than 72 hour
stay, allowed $50.00 duty free. |
| Liquor |
1 U.S. quart for personal consumption
allowed for passengers 21 years and
older. |
| Perfume |
Reasonable amount for personal use. |
| Tobacco |
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 3 lbs
tobacco allowed for passengers 21
years and older |
| Prohibited Entry |
Fruits, flowers, meats, plants, vegetables. |
Please see timatic for further information.
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Information contained on this website is subject to change at any time without prior notice.
American Airlines shall not be liable for any consequences resulting from your reliance on the information.
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