Change of entry requirements to the USA

08 Jan 2009

From 12 January thousands of Britons could potentially be turned away by immigration at US airports if they fail to register on the electronic travel system (ESTA) 72 hours prior to their departure.

British travellers planning to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must now provide details online 72 hours prior to travel on an Electronic Travel System known as ESTA.

Until now, registration has operated on a voluntary basis but it will become compulsory for all travellers from 12 January 2009. The advice has been on our website since the initial launch of ESTA in August 2008. An ESTA, once obtained, will be valid for a period of two years, or for the validity of the traveller’s passport (whichever is shorter).

To register visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

British travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely to be detained and sent home. This may effect a wide range of British Nationals and we are particularly concerned that people who may not have heard of ESTA and booked their trip before enforcement of the new rule, may be caught out.

Over the winter of 2008 over 500,000 Britons visited the United States and in a recent ABTA and Foreign Office report on travel trends for 2009 it was predicted that 13% of British travellers are more likely to visit the States now Barack Obama has been elected. The consequences of not registering through ESTA could therefore be far reaching and it is important that travellers visit the United States travel advice pages on our website for more information on how to register.