New Visa Rules for America (USA) – Very Important!

If you plan to visit the United States please make note of the following – and pass it along to friends, family, work colleagues – and anyone you know who is thinking of visiting the U.S.

According to today’s news reports, more than fifty percent of travellers to the USA are unaware of the new visa rules which came into effect today, January 12 2009.  Under the US Visa Waiver program visitors to the US are now required to register online at least 72 hours prior to the date of travel.  Those who anticipate problems obtaining a visa for the USA (a criminal record, for example) should register well ahead of the travel date in case they are required to attend the embassy for an interview.

Failure to comply with the new rules could mean refusal of entry and subsequent loss of all money paid for the trip.  Note that travel insurance does not cover losses caused by failure to obtain necessary visas!

It is also vital to check the expiration date of passports and renew them in plenty of time.  For the USA, and many other countries, it is required to have six months validity left on a passport.  For some countries it is also a requirement to have a number of blank pages available.  If in doubt always check well ahead of the travel date or renew your passport and avoid any problems.

To register for Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visit the website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta).

For general information about travel to the USA visit our Travel Guide and follow the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) for comprehensive and important travel updates and advisories.  Lastly, don’t forget to get a quote for that other important matter – Travel Insurance!