USA ESTA Entry Requirements

From 12^th January 2009, everyone travelling into America must have, before travelling, completed a brand new internet-based registration form. 

This new requirement is called “Electronic System for Travel Authorisation”, or ESTA for short.  It has been implemented by US Customs & Border Control and applies to all international visitors to America who qualify for the US Visa Waiver Programme.  British passport holders usually qualify, and therefore must register through ESTA before they travel. 

If you are travelling into America either on or after 12^th January 2009, then you will probably be refused entry if you haven’t registered through ESTA.  Registration is quick & easy, and requires you to enter only a few personal details regarding everyone in your party as well as details of where you’re staying during your first night in the States.

After you have booked your travel details to the US, you can register your details through ESTA here:

----Register through ESTA here----

This new ESTA system has been introduced in addition to the existing Visa Waiver Programme.

To avoid any disappointment when arriving in America, please read all these sections carefully to ensure you comply with US entry requirements:

Passports

British passport holders travelling to the USA (or via the USA) are required to have either individual machine-readable passports or biometric passports.  (If you need to check your passport we recommend you contact the UK Passport Office). Families will be required to obtain individual passports for each traveller including all children.

Visa Waiver Programme (VWP)

If you have a machine readable or Biometric passport you should be able to qualify for travel (of up to 90 days) without a visa, under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP).  That is, provided no one in your party has ever been arrested (even if not convicted), or if suffering from a serious communicable disease (visit the US Embassy web site for details of all restrictions).

For passengers holding a non-British Passport, or, if you are unsure whether you qualify for travel under the VWP please consult the Identity & Passport Service or the US Embassy.   

For travellers who qualify for travel under the VWP, important details on obtaining travel authorisation are outlined below.

Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)

US Customs & Border Control have introduced an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).  The system is web based only and requires all passengers (including infants) travelling via or to the USA to apply for ‘authority to travel’ a minimum of 72 hours prior to travel.  Effective from 12 January 2009, ESTA is compulsory.  You may be denied boarding or refused entry to the US if you have not registered and obtained authorisation using ESTA.  To apply for this new travel authorisation, visit the ESTA web site.

It is very important that you complete your ESTA application using the exact address as displayed on the documentation you receive from your Airline/Operator. (If you have booked a flight only or the address of your accommodation is confirmed on arrival, please use our resort office address as stated on your holiday invoice/tickets). Your Airline or Tour Operator will be providing accommodation details for all passengers to the US Immigration authorities after you have departed to America. If there are any differences between the Tour Operator/Airline information compared to what you have written on your ESTA registration, then you may be denied entry into the USA.  We recommend that you carry your ESTA approval with you when you travel.  For additional information on travel to the US visit the US Embassy web site.

Please note that the ESTA system is up and running now, and is compulsory for all visitors travelling to any American destinations who will arrive at their American destination on or after 12^th January 2009.

Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS)

Please be aware that Tour Operators and Airlines are required to provide details of the full address of your destination accommodation and country of residence and, from 2009, the name on your passport, your date of birth and passport number to the U.S authorities. This is in addition to the application you must make as part of the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) for authorisation to travel under ESTA (the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) - see previous sections ‘Travel Authorisation (ESTA)’ and ‘Visa Waiver Programme’.  It is important the information collected by tour operators and airlines as part of APIS is the same as the information you have submitted under ESTA as any differences may delay or prevent your entry to the USA.