Super knowledgeable GT member Tracey highlights some of the rule changes for entry to the USA, that have been put in place in 2009. Remember this is a summary and you should always remember to verify any visa requirements before travelling.

On Monday 12th January 2009 it became compulsory for travellers who qualify to enter the USA visa free under the Visa Waiver Program to register on ESTA and complete the ESTA [electronic system for travel authorisation] form at least 72 hours prior departure to the U.S.

For further information see – http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/esta.html

What is ESTA ?

ESTA is a new, fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA replaces the current system of travellers filling out an I-94W form during their flight (or ship voyage) to the U.S and collects the same information.

ESTA authorization is not a guarantee of entry into the United States; it means that the traveller is allowed to board a plane or ship travelling to the U.S. without a visa. Once you arrive in the U.S, then Customs and Border Protection officers will determine entry.

How do I apply ?

At least 72 hours prior to departure to the U.S, travellers must access the ESTA website at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Use of the site is free; and it is available in 16 languages, although all application responses must be in English.

When do I need to apply ?

VISA Waiver Program travellers are encouraged to apply for authorisation as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the U.S. The latest you can apply is 72 hours before departure.

Once I have submitted the ESTA form, what will happen ?

Once the application has been successfully submitted via the ESTA website, then in most cases the application status will be returned immediately. You should expect to see 1 of 3 responses;

1. Authorization Approved = Travel is authorized

2. Travel Not Authorized = Traveller will be referred to www.travel.state.gov for information on how to apply for a visa to travel to the U.S.

3. Authorization Pending = A final response will be issued within 72 hours; the traveller must check back on the ESTA website.

Do I need to complete the ESTA form on a per trip basis ?

Once approved, authorisation can be used for multiple entries into the U.S. However, if the traveller’s name, gender, citizenship or answers to the questions “yes” or “no” change; a new application must be submitted.

Applicants can update their destination addresses or itineraries should they change after their ESTA has been approved, although this is not required

The ESTA authorisation is generally valid for 2 years or until your passport has expired, whichever comes first.

As a summary, it generally affects people who are nationals of the below 34 countries:-

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom