NEW ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR PEOPLE TRAVELLING TO THE USA

Dear Florida Traveller,

Those of you travelling or looking to travel to the USA on or after 12th January, 2009 will need to apply online for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) to be entitled to enter the USA. You will no longer be able to travel using the current visa waiver program onboard the aircraft.
 
You must apply for an ESTA as soon as possible, please note the current regulations regarding criminal records either current or spent still apply. For more information regarding this please read below and use the links provided, or contact your travel agent directly.

US VISA WAIVER PROGRAM MOVES ONLINE

In a significant change to the United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP), UK citizens will need to apply online and in advance of travelling to the USA.

Once approved, an ESTA is valid for multiple entries (max 90 days per visit) over two years – or until the holder’s passport expires.

US authorities are keen to highlight the fact that the information required of passengers is no different to that on the current I94 form and that, in the vast majority of cases, a message indicating AUTHORISATION TO TRAVEL – or NOT AUTHORISED TO TRAVEL – will be instant.

Those planning to travel to the US are encouraged to apply for authorisation as far in advance as possible, but no later than 72 hours before travelling, although “there will be accommodations for those flying at the last minute or in emergencies”.

The ESTA itself is an electronic authorisation matched to a passport – rather than a physical endorsement or certificate – and can be applied for even without the passenger knowing their exact travel and destination details. Those in possession of an ESTA should update their travel details (via the same website) for each subsequent journey to the US during its two-year validity.

WARNING: IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY TRAVELLED TO CUBA (OR ANY OTHER STATE SPONSOR OF TERRORISM) YOU CANNOT APPLY FOR AN ESTA - YOU NEED TO APPLY FOR A VISA INSTEAD SO ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME TO DO THIS

To apply now for your ESTA online, please click on the OFFICIAL WEBSITE link https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ - the cost will be $21 per application. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PASSPORT UPLOAD SECTION IS OPTIONAL - YOU DON'T NEED TO DO THIS !!