The problem with the new passport and the Visa Waiver has been resolved.
Since the implementation of the new digital passports in Chile last December, numerous travelers have faced difficulties obtaining and using the Visa Waiver , a key tool for entering the United States without a traditional visa . This problem has generated uncertainty among users and has led authorities and travelers to seek solutions .
The new Chilean passport , valid since December 16, introduces 70 advanced security features , making it one of the most secure in the world. However, one of its main changes, the prefix of the serial number , which now begins with the letter "R" instead of "P" or "F," has caused a malfunction in the US ESTA ( Electronic System for Travel Authorization ).
According to EMOL , the system did not recognize the new configuration with the letter "R," blocking the processing of travel authorizations . Faced with this situation, travelers were wondering what they should do to travel to the United States .
What to do to travel to the USA?
The United States Embassy in Chile acknowledged the problem and recommended that those with the new passport apply for a traditional non-immigrant visa while the technical incompatibility was being resolved.
This document costs $160 and requires scheduling an appointment at the Embassy . It is recommended to arrive 15 minutes before the appointment, at which time applicants must present the required documents , have their fingerprints taken , and participate in an interview with a consular officer .
If the visa is approved, the applicant will receive it within 10 business days . If it is denied , the applicant may reapply in the future.
Unexpected Cancellations of Visa Waiver Programs
Furthermore, even some travelers with the old passport reported the unexpected cancellation of their Visa Waiver , as happened to journalist Daniel Silva of Meganoticias , who missed a flight to the CES Fair in Las Vegas due to the cancellation of his ESTA , minutes before boarding.
" I checked my Visa Waiver status online yesterday and it was valid until the end of the year. They're telling me at the counter that this is happening very often and it has nothing to do with the new or old passport ."
Silva explained (via Mega ) in a video he posted: " Actually, I have the old one. I've traveled to the United States several times; it was valid, but it was canceled at the last minute. Unfortunately, I didn't receive the new one ( Visa Waiver ). I applied for it online, but it can take a while, depending on luck— 30 minutes , an hour , five hours ."
The journalist's recommendation was to arrive at least three and a half or four hours before the trip so that, if they realize that it is canceled at the counter , they can request it in time to board and not miss the flight.
When will the Visa Waiver problem be resolved?
The Civil Registry has given good news for Chilean travelers : the problem that hindered the authorization of trips to the United States through the Visa Waiver program has been resolved.
The institution confirmed that it is now possible to carry out the authorization process normally, using both old passports , as long as they are valid, and the new ones , recently launched.
The new passports "meet the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and have 70 advanced security measures ," the Civil Registry stated.
At the time, Justice Minister Jaime Gajardo clarified in statements to Tele 13 (via Chócale ) that the problem lay in the ESTA online application form and not in the passport itself. Chilean authorities maintained bilateral communication with the U.S. government and provided all the necessary technical information to resolve the issue .
Thanks to negotiations with US authorities, the Visa Waiver platform now recognizes these documents as valid, thus eliminating any barriers for those wishing to travel to the United States , a development that brings peace of mind to travelers .
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