Australian Passport Enquiry - Number of Pages Required

[Tonkatough]

I hope someone can help with this:

I will soon be travelling to the USA using a valid Australian passport, and will complete the usual ESTA application, but I have only one blank (unused) page remaining in the passport.

Is one blank (unused) page sufficient for entry/exit to/from the USA?

I have so far asked the Australian Passport Office, Dept of Immigration and Border Security, US Consulate General, ESTA, US Customs and Border Protection, and the most information I have received is a automated reply.....

 

[anat0l]

As long as you don't need a visa, you should be fine. You only receive a stamp when you enter the USA under normal circumstances, and the stamp is no bigger than the size of a couple of postage stamps.

Are the rest of the pages completely full? There might be a little space left on another page where the stamp will fit.

It's probably time to think about getting another passport, unless you really do not see yourself travelling internationally until your expiry comes up.

 

[defurax]

Better to check with the airline. I know some airlines won't allow you to travel if you don't have 2 empty pages in your passport.

 

[Tonkatough]

Thanks for the rapid responses. I haven't yet experienced any airlines sifting through passports on boarding looking for available pages. The ultimate test seems to be when you get to US Border Security.

Can always find a free corner somewhere in the passport, but just have not been able to find out if a completely free page(s) was needed for the US.

 

[defurax]

I don't think it is a problem for the US, but it is problematic to only have one blank page left for the following reasons:
1- immigration officer can get really annoyed flicking through your passport to find a spot to stamp (I have been sent to the back office and lectured about passport renewal)
2- the airline check in staff may be reluctant to check you in and need to call supervisor (happened to me twice)
3- if the plane needs to do an emergency landing at Easter Island for example, you could potentially not be allowed to leave the terminal if your passport can't be stamped (never happened to me, but it happened to a friend in South America)

 

[N860CR]

It's a bit annoying . I've got 5 pages left but will be passing through Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, each requiring two blank pages for entry. To be safe, I'll get a new one.

I think you should manage for the USA though.

 

[Tonkatough]

Anyone have any more thoughts on this? I haven't got any further with the 'authorities' listed above nor the airline.

 

[Tonkatough]

I can now answer this myself, having recently arrived in the US.

Q. How many blank (unused) page sufficient for entry/exit to/from the USA?

A. 0

On arriving at LAX, after the obligatory 'what are you doing here' question, the Customs and Border Protection officer proceeded to find the fullest double page in my passport, then stamp right in the middle between the staples, over other stamps.

Of course, other officers might not all be the same, but it seems not much space is needed.

Another observation was the large number of automated electronic visa entry machines present at LAX - it might not be far away if it is not here already.

 

[Mal]

I think the official recommendation for the US is at least half a page, but it appears to be a warning not a requirement.

 

[Tonkatough]

I don't doubt this, but I was unable to find it anywhere, despite contacting all of the above organisations and the Customs and Border Protection. If you find something official, I would be happy to know where it is.

 

[Pushka]

I've found USA immigration officials just do their own thing according to their personalities. It's probably enshrined somewhere in their constitution.

 

[Mal]

I don't doubt this, but I was unable to find it anywhere, despite contacting all of the above organisations and the Customs and Border Protection. If you find something official, I would be happy to know where it is.

I found a reference to the recommendation of a half page recently (circa 4 weeks ago), as I was in a similar passport situation. However, can't find it now. Ill keep searching and provide a link when I locate it.

 

[defurax]

I've found USA immigration officials just do their own thing according to their personalities. It's probably enshrined somewhere in their constitution.

This is so true! Two weeks ago the agent stamped my passport even though I have Global Entry...

 

[Mal]

I don't doubt this, but I was unable to find it anywhere, despite contacting all of the above organisations and the Customs and Border Protection. If you find something official, I would be happy to know where it is.

Found it. Located on the US Embassy in the UK's page:
Passports & Travel Documents | Embassy of the United States

I am travelling with an ESTA/valid visa; How many blank pages do I need in my passport for the entry stamp?

The U.S. Customers and Border Protection (CBP) agency recommends having at least one (1) blank page in your passport for the entry stamp.

 

[Tonkatough]

This is the most useful 'official' piece of information received. Nice work. Thanks, from all of us who were curious.