Immigration Changes for travellers to the USA

All visitors arriving on/or after 12 January 2009 (regardless of when airline tickets were booked or purchased) MUST supply certain information online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) if they wish to enter the USA using the current Visa Waiver Program (the alternative is to obtain a visa form the US Embassy). ESTA is operated free of charge by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a link to the ESTA website can be found on

www.usembassy.org.uk/

One benefit of ESTA is that you will no longer have to complete the current I-94 form every time you enter the US. We strongly recommend that you complete the online ESTA process as soon as you have booked (and at least minimum of 72 hours before departure) because in the unlikely event that you do not receive an ESTA approval for travel, you will need to apply directly to the US Embassy for a visa.

In addition, The United States Customs and Border Protection require all airlines collect and transmit certain passenger information prior to departure, using their Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS). The information required includes your country of residence, the full address (including the zip/postal code) for your first night’s accommodation in the US. Please ensure that you enter this information via your airlines website before leaving for the airport to ensure that you do not encounter any unnecessary delays.

Countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program include:

Andorra
Austria
Australia
Belgium
Brunei
Denmark
Finland France
Germany
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Liechtenstein Luxembourg
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Portugal
San Marino Singapore
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom

For further information on the Visa Waiver Program and how to proceed with your application please visit the US Department of Homeland Security website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov If you hold a passport that is not participating in the Visa Waiver programme, please consult the US Embassy for Visa requirements.





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