News: ESTA scheme mandatory for travel to US on January 20

Flights > News > # 2384 (13/01/2010)

From January 20 it will be mandatory for all passengers travelling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program to receive approval to travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) scheme.
Flightmapping advises all customers travelling to or transferring through the US from this date to apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours in advance of their journey.
It only takes 15 minutes to complete an ESTA and the vast majority of applicants will receive approval for travel within minutes, although it can take up to 72 hours.
Under the new regulations, airlines will not be able to accept US-bound customers for their flight if they have not received ESTA approval or if they do not hold a valid visa or Green Card.
Follow the link below to apply for your ESTA. Once complete, the application is valid for two years and allows multiple visits without the need to reapply. Travellers can apply for an ESTA even if they have no firm plans to travel to the US.

ELECTRONIC SYSTEM for TRAVEL AUTHORISATION