Print this page

• homepage
• Email News Container
• Travel Authorisation to the USA Mandatory

Travel Authorisation to the USA Mandatory

The USA government have changed its visa-waiver programme that means travellers will be required to apply for authorisation to travel under the scheme before arriving at the airport.

The changes, which came into effect in August 2008 on a voluntary basis became mandatory from 12 January 2009 and affects all passport holders from 34 countries currently participating in the visa-waiver scheme, including UK passport holders.
Travellers are required to obtain authorisation (known as ESTA) before arriving at the airport and can apply online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

The application process may take up to approximately 15-20 minutes and authorisation is normally granted immediately but may take up to 72 hours. We recommend that you apply for authorisation at the time of booking or at least 72 hours before your flight to ensure that you are able to travel. Those making late bookings can still apply, but there is risk that they may not receive immediate confirmation.

Once granted, authorisation is valid for two years. You do not need to have firm plans to travel to apply for authorisation.Until further notice, you will still need to complete the green I-94W non-immigrant visa waiver form onboard your flight.

If you have a resident permit ‘green card’ or are travelling on a visa you will not need to apply for authorisation as you are not travelling under the visa-waiver programme.

For more information, visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov or speak to your business travel consultant.