State Department to Postpone New Passport Rules Until 2004

September 9, 2003

State Department to Postpone New Passport Rules Until 2004
In response to concerns raised by NTA and other travel industry associations, the U.S. Department of State has delayed the implementation of a rule requiring travelers entering the United States through the Visa Waiver Program to have machine-readable passports. The rule, originally set to be implemented Oct. 1, 2003, will now be enforced Oct. 24, 2004.

Twenty-seven countries, mostly in western Europe, participate in the Visa Waiver Program. NTA and other travel industry groups opposed the new rule because it would negatively impact an already-plagued U.S. inbound travel industry. In order to obtain a machine-readable passport, travelers must be subject to face-to-face interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates, which would cause major delays for travelers.

To read more, go to cnn.com.