US Visa Information for UK Citizens

ESTA - Electronic System for Travel Authorisation

Visitors may now be aware that the USA has changed its entry procedures for travellers to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme and has introduced ESTA. Online completion of ESTA is now mandatory for all Visa Waiver Programme travellers.

ESTA: Electronic System for Travel Authorisation Logo

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.

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.