Changes for the immigration procedures to the USA

Wednesday 23rd September 2009

An Electronic System for Travel Authorisation is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme.

What is an ESTA?

An Electronic System for Travel Authorisation is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme. Currently citizens of countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Programme fill in a green form (I94W) while en route to the USA. Customers may not be able to travel if they do not have a valid ESTA.

Do I need to apply for an ESTA?

As of 20th January 2010 it is compulsory to apply for an ESTA for pre-authorisation to travel to the United States.

Applications must be made at least 72 hours before travel.

Customers making late bookings can still apply, but there is risk that they may not receive immediate confirmation.

Customers do not need to have firm travel plans in order to apply for an ESTA.

How do I apply for an ESTA?

It’s easy to apply – customers can provide the information on their PC or most internet ready mobile phones at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov or via their travel agent.

The USA Department of Homeland Security recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel. In most cases a response will be received immediately, although the process may take up to 15-20 minutes to complete.

What information is required for an ESTA?

The information required for an ESTA is the same as is currently required by the green visa waiver form (I94W).

Travellers must provide biographical data including name, date of birth, and passport information. Address in the United States and flight detail elements of the application form are optional. Travellers will also be required to answer Visa Waiver Programme eligibility yes/no questions regarding communicable diseases, arrests and convictions for certain crimes, and past history of visa refusal among others.

Will I still need to fill in the green visa waiver form (I94W)?

Yes, although it is expected that these forms will be phased out over time. Until further notice, you must also complete the green I94W form available at check-in or onboard the flight.

Which countries participate in the visa waiver scheme?

• Andorra
  
• Austria
  
• Australia
  
• Belgium
  
• Brunei
  
• Czech Republic
  
• Denmark
  
• Estonia
  
• Finland
  
• France
  
• Germany
  
• Hungary
  
• Iceland
  
• Ireland
  
• Italy
  
• Japan
  
• Latvia
  
• Liechtenstein
  
• Lithuania
  
• Luxembourg
  
• Monaco
  
• The Netherlands
  
• New Zealand
  
• Norway
  
• Portugal
  
• San Marino
  
• Singapore
  
• Slovakia
  
• Slovenia
  
• South Korea
  
• Spain
  
• Sweden
  
• Switzerland
  
• United Kingdom (not passports endorsed British Subjects)
  

Please also check with JetAir that the Airline is part of the Visa Waiver Scheme before you travel. Some private jet operators may require the passengers to have a US Visa.

How far in advance can travellers apply for an ESTA?

Travellers are not required to have specific plans to travel to the United States before applying for an ESTA. However, the USA Department of Homeland Security recommends that an ESTA approval be obtained as soon as a traveller begins to plan a trip to the USA and no later than 72 hours before departure.

How long is an ESTA valid?

Approved ESTA applications are valid for two years and allow for multiple trips to the USA. However, a new ESTA will have to be obtained if an individual has a new passport within the two-year period or if any answers to the YES/NO questions on the ESTA application form change within this period.

How will your airline know if customer has a valid ESTA when they arrive at the airport?

The check-in system receives a message from the US Customs that confirms whether or not the passenger has a valid ESTA – or needs one.

Do customers require an ESTA even if just transiting through the US?

Yes, an ESTA approval will be compulsory for all travel to the USA from 12 January 2009.

Can customers apply for an ESTA even if I have no firm plans to visit the US?

Visa Waiver Programme travellers are not required to have specific plans to travel to the US before they apply for an ESTA authorisation.

I am travelling in less than 72 hours. Can I still apply for an ESTA?

Those making late bookings can still apply, but there is risk that they may not receive immediate confirmation. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that ESTA approval be obtained as soon as a traveller begins to plan a trip to the US. The application process takes approximately 15-20 minutes and authorisation is normally granted immediately but may take up to 72 hours.

Can the form be completed in a language other than English?

It is a requirement of the USA Department of Homeland Security that the application be completed in English.

Do I still need to fill in my APIS details?

Yes. ESTAs are in addition to the requirement to submit APIS data.

Do customers who are citizens of a country not eligible for the visa waiver programme need an ESTA?

There is no change to the current visa arrangements for citizens of non-visa waiver countries.

Can agents apply for an ESTA on behalf of customers?

It is the responsibility of the traveller to complete the ESTA application and obtain authorisation. However, there may be some circumstances in which this may not be possible. If this is the case, your customer may grant permission for a third party to complete the ESTA form on their behalf. It is at their risk. If the information provided is not correct, they may not be able to travel.

If a customer has multiple passports do they need an ESTA for each one?

The traveller must have a valid ESTA for the passport that they are using to travel on and presenting at the airport. A separate application should be made for each passport that a traveller uses to enter the US.

Where else can I go for more information?

The US Embassy in London has some useful FAQs and other information. http://www.usembassy.org.uk/

The ESTA website also has further information at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov