ESTA becomes compulsory for US travel
From 20 January 2010 it will be mandatory for all passengers travelling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) 72 hours prior to departure.This online form will eventually replace the green visa waiver form which is currently completed whilst en-route to the US.
Passengers should visit the ESTA official government website and fill in the required information.
In most cases a response will be received within seconds determining whether travel to the US has been authorised. If the application is not authorised then a visa may be requested through the US Embassy. In some instances customers will need to wait up to 72 hours for authorisation.
ESTA’s are in addition to the requirement for all passengers to submit APIS data.
What is an ESTA?
An Electronic System for Travel Authorisation is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme. Currently citizens of countries eligible for the VWP fill in a green form while en route to the US. The ESTA will eventually replace this form.
Passengers are advised to apply for an ESTA no later than 72 hours prior to departure.
Do I need to apply for an ESTA?
From January 20 2010, if you are a citizen of a visa waiver country travelling to the US, you will not be accepted for travel to the US if you do not have a valid ESTA (or visa/ Green Card).
Posted on 22 January 2010 at 16:04
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