Does passport need to be scanable to enter US?

[BB72]

Hi Guys,

I just got my revalidated H-1B visa. I am planning to take the trip next week. I know the pic and finger print need to be taken when enter US. But does the passport has to be scanable. My passport is not scanable, I am little worried.

Any info is helpful, thank you very much..
BB

 

[nkm-oct23]

Hi Guys,

I just got my revalidated H-1B visa. I am planning to take the trip next week. I know the pic and finger print need to be taken when enter US. But does the passport has to be scanable. My passport is not scanable, I am little worried.

Any info is helpful, thank you very much..
BB

No, it is not a requirement.

 

[usnycus]

Scanable passport is required only for "27 Visa Waiver Program Countries Travelers".

 

[nkm-oct23]

Well, I think the requirement is to have at least one machine readable document, either a visa or a passport (only for visa waiver countries, though). Most EU countries now issue machine readable passports. Even India has started issuing such passports from last year.

US had initially set a requirement of including biometric info like finger prints or retina scans on visa waiver countries but have delayed it. Sometime this year all US visas will require a fingerprint or similar biometric identifier. This also means that ALL visa applicants will have to appear for a personal interview with a consular officer and no more visas or visa revalidations thru mail.

 

[alren]

But the passports issued at the consualte posts outside India are still hand written.