Usa

The_Bullman

Just wondering if anyone knows whether or not the new regulations will effect me in any way?

I am to america via london, so I don't think I'll be partaking in the Irish visa-waver programme. Will this be any different?

Do I need a new passport?

Bluehair

The participation in the visa-waiver program is dependant on the passport you hold (ie your nationality) not what country the flight you're on originates from.

You'll clear immigration when you arrive in the US rather than do pre-departure immigration leaving from Dublin or Shannon non-stop.

You'll only need a new passport if yours is not 'machine-readable'. Irish passports have been 'machine-readable' for some years so you shouldn't have a problem (no harm phoning the passport office to check though.. how long have you had your passport?)

Otherwise everything is as it always was Have fun!

Lex_Diamonds

Yup, and also those new regulations have been put back some months, not sure the exact dates but the US Embassy's website will have it.

bovril

actually, you don't need a machine readable passport for another while yet. They were going to bring it in but like other things they cancelled it at the last moment for a year I think.

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2003/24407.htm