ESTA warnings for any visitors to the USA

Posted on by Rachel Varndall of Rachel varndall Travel Counsellor

ESTA warnings for any visitors to the USA

1. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have advised that changes in ESTA application processing mean real-time approvals will no longer be available.

International travellers using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) for travel to the United States should apply as soon as possible but not less than 72 hours before their international flight is scheduled to depart.

It is the passenger’s responsibility to make their application and ensure they have a valid travel authority before they travel. This will make the check-in process much easier for them. Those nationalities not eligible to use the Visa Waiver Program will need to process a visa before travel.

2. If you answer YES to any of the questions you will not be eligible for an ESTA and you will need to apply for a visa which can take months

3. If you realise you have made a mistake with name, passport date of birth etc. you will need to reapply and pay again (note – this will not override point 3) so double check all details carefully before submitting

3. Make sure that you use only the official link below which costs $14 USD and not a copycat site which will cost a lot more. This is valid for 2 years or the life of the passport whichever is the soonest

Here is the correct link, don’t be caught out!!

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

 

Or give Rachel Varndall of Travel Counsellors a shout for any additional advice you may need

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