Thanks for all your help guys:) its has given me food for thought:)

Charles

You don't need 6 months on your passport for travel to the States, just long enough for your dates of travel.

I had no problem with less than 6 months on mine a couple of years back.

http://london.usembassy.gov/faq-passports.html#niv079 

I will add if you are applying for a new ESTA, get a new passport because the ESTA lasts two years or until your passport expires.

Mick

I can recommend the post office, they do a very good check and send service takes about 2-3 weeks to receive your new passport, anytime owning on your old passport should be included in your new one..

Happy travelling.

Cindy

To enter the US, you must hold an e-passport or machine readable passport.

https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport . You'll also find that time left on your existing passport will be added to your new one - up to a maximum of 9 months.

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/  alternatively Just You can arrange this for you for a small charge.

If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kindest regards,

Julia

I want to book the America golden west tour in October. Before I book I must renew my passport as I will have less than six months on it. Will the passport office agency automatically issue me a new passport with the new chip changes that have now come into effect to enter the us or will have to get a separate passport with the required changes.

Thanks for your help.

Charles.