US to accept UK passport extension

This afternoon Government House provided the following update on UK Passports and travel to the US.

A Government spokesperson said, “Travellers to the United States whose UK (not Bermuda BOTC) passports will shortly expire or have expired within the last three months can apply to Government House for their passports to be extended for 12 months.

“The US Customs and Border Protection authorities will accept an extended UK passport for travel to the U.S. as long as the passport holder has either a green card or a visitor visa.”

Travellers under the visa waiver scheme, or using ESTAs, cannot use a passport whose validity has been extended and should apply to the US Consulate General for a visa. The procedure for applying for a visitor visa is described in detail at http://hamilton.usconsulate.gov/how_to_apply2.html. 

The authorities in the UK and Canada will accept UK passports with a valid extension endorsement.