ESTA Update

ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR TRAVEL AUTHORISATION (ESTA) URGENT UPDATE JANUARY 2010

Please note, since January 20th 2010, it has become a MANDATORY requirement for guests wishing to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme to have their ESTA approval granted at least 72 hours before they attempt to enter the country on any flight or ship. You can be denied boarding of a flight or cruise bound for the US if you have not got your ESTA approval. All major airlines such as British Airways are strictly implementing this regulation. Please note, if you are arriving in the US only to transit to another country, you will still need your ESTA approved.

ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk. It is one of many procedures in place to safeguard the health and security of all travellers.

To apply for authorisation to travel to the United States under the VWP, travelers must log on to the ESTA web-based system and complete an application online providing the biographical and eligibility information previously required on the paper I-94W form. The ESTA web-based system has been running since August of 2008 and implementation of the ESTA as mandatory will begin on Jan. 20th, 2010. To qualify for the ESTA authorisation process, please log on to the ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov  Currently there is no charge to apply for ESTA approval.