§ Mr. Bill O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the US Administration 1277W on the changes requiring UK visitors to obtain a visa in person due to unavailability of biometric data passports; and if he will make a statement. [186422]
§ Mr. MullinWe have had regular ministerial and official contacts with the US Administration and members of Congress about maintaining the UK's position within the US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP).
The United States amended its border security legislation on 9 August, extending the deadline by one year to 26 October 2005 for countries in the VWP to introduce a biometric identifier in new passports. The non-availability of biometric passports would have no impact on visa requirements for British passport holders before that date.
The UK's biometric passport programme, on which the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is working closely under the Home Office's lead, involves the introduction of cutting edge technology. It is important we get this right. Along with other VWP countries, the UK may need to approach the US for a further extension in the new year to allow adequate time for development and testing before UK biometric passports are issued.