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Any person seeking to travel to the USA
through what is referred to as the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), must
now register their details on-line at least 72 hours before
arriving. As from 8 September 2010, a charge of $14.00 US is to be made
for each registration.
From 12 January 2009, the Visa
Waiver Programme (VWP) has been enhanced with the inclusion of ESTA
(Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Travelling under the VWP
means completing a green coloured form (referred to as 'I-94W') for each
person.
This now requires details of each
visitor to be registered on line prior to travelling.
Register your details with ESTA
All visitors aiming to travel to (or
transit through) the U.S. under the VWP are required to obtain approval
under ESTA. The application must be made at least 72 hours in
advance, but should be done at the earliest opportunity. It is also
possible to apply for approval if there are no specific plans for a trip
to the U.S. e.g. where travel is likely at short notice.
ESTA is authorisation to travel under the VWP and as such the usual rules
apply as to who will qualify. To apply for approval, visitors must
complete the questions on the ESTA website, which are very similar to
those on the VWP I-94W (e.g. name, date of birth, passport details
etc.). Where you require the address of the property you have booked,
this will be obtainable from the Owner. Once you have registered your
details, you will be given a unique Application Number. This should be
noted to check on the status of your request. Approval is often received
immediately, but in some cases can take up to 72 hours. It is advisable
to print out the approval to take to the airport.
Once approved, the application is generally valid for two years or
until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Other
instances in which approval will cease are: change of name, gender,
citizenship or circumstances underlying the applicant’s previous responses
to the questions. In these cases, a new application under ESTA should be
made.
For more information and for ESTA
approval visit:
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
It should also be noted that approval
under ESTA does not guarantee admission to the U.S. |
