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New Visa Waiver Procedures - UK

FAO Florida Traveller:

For those of you travelling or looking to travel to the USA, from the UK, on or after 12 January 2009 you 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 on board 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 us direct.

US Visa waiver program moves online
In a major change to the United States visa waiver program (VWP), UK citizens will need to apply online and in advance of travelling from January 12, 2009.

Currently, citizens of VWP member countries – including the UK and Ireland – must complete a green I94 form onboard before landing in the US, but a trial of the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program is already underway and will be fully implemented on January 12.

Once approved, an ESTA is valid for multiple entries 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 – will be instant.

Those planning to travel to the US are encouraged to apply for authorisation as far in advance as possible and 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.

Travel agents are being asked to help communicate the changes to the public.

For more information and for ESTA approval visit:
http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/visa_wizard.html
http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp.html
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html

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