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ESTA - Electronic System for Travel Authorisation

International travellers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are now subject to enhanced security requirements.

From 20th January 2010 it will be mandatory for all passengers travelling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) 72 hours prior to departure unless holding a valid U.S. visa. Children and infants must have their own ESTA. The online form will eventually replace the green visa waiver form (I94W) which is currently completed whilst en-route to the US.

If passengers arrive at the airport without an ESTA, The passenger can attempt to apply for an ESTA using an available internet port in the airport, or must delay travel until an ESTA or U.S. visa can be obtained.

An approved ESTA travel authorisation is:

Valid for up to two years, or until the traveller's passport expires, whichever comes first
Valid for multiple entries into the U.S.
NOT a guarantee of admissibility into the United States

Passengers should visit the website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov 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 is in addition to the requirement for all passengers to submit APIS data.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions regarding ESTA available on their website: http://www.cbp.gov