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United States Visas - Be Aware - and Wary!
It seems that many people are confused about the new entry requirements for the U.S. which were introduced in January 2009.
The rules also apply to British passport holders travelling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). They include those travelling for general tourism purposes, travelling en-route to another country, and for certain types of business.
It is now a requirement to register your details online at least 72 hours prior to travel under the new system: Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
Once you have been approved electronically under ESTA the approval is valid for two years, or until expiration of your passport (whichever is soonest). ESTA applications are processed free of charge at the current time.
Travellers without access to the Internet will need to have their travel agent or a friend or relative assist them in applying. However, be aware that the named traveller is legally responsible for all information submitted.
A word of caution: The Foreign office recently issued a warning about websites advertising a service to submit ESTA applications for a fee. The websites are not government approved and should be avoided. As the service is free anyway (at the time of writing) there is no need to pay to use an unknown third party.
As well as applying for ESTA, travellers to the U.S. are still required to provide the airline with their passport details, country of residence, and address for their first night’s stay in the U.S.
As of July 2009 is has been a requirement for travellers entering the U.S. under the VWP to carry a new electronic passport (also known as the e-Passport). Those wishing to retain their old passport cannot apply under ESTA and will need to go through the process to apply for a Visa.
Failure to comply with the above could result in entry to the U.S. being denied. Save yourself all the headaches and heartaches and make sure everything is in order well before your date of travel.
*Failure to obtain necessary visas may result in the denial of travel insurance claims for any resulting losses*
If you are unsure about your visa status for entering the U.S. the Foreign Office (FCO) website has detailed information on all the above, as well as links and contact numbers for ESTA, the U.S. Embassy in London - and a very good FAQ section. Visit our Travel Guide to the United States and follow the link on the page for the FCO Country Advice for the USA as part of their ‘Know Before You Go Campaign’ . Have a Nice Day!
Flickr Image: nukeit1 (Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center)
