Eta

[a jay]

I think thats what its called! Not going until July next summer but slighlt stressing about this new rule that requires us to fill in online passenger details. Where do we fill these forms in? Do we have to print something off to prove we have carried out this procedure? When should i do it? If anyone has already done it please can you shed some information on this.... Oh and is it free or do we have to pay anything...

 

[RachaelC]

Don't stress about it! It's quite a simple process - all the details are on this website: http://www.visitusa.org.uk/visitors/esta.aspx

You need to do it 72 hours before you go, and currently it doesnt cost anything. It basically will replace the green visa waiver form, so no more cramming in addresses and stuff onto the form

 

[wifey]

Hello its an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation on the Department of Homeland Security website. As far as I can remember you fill in all of the details for your party but do it more than 3 days before you go incase there's a problem in which case you may need to get a visa.

At the moment it's voluntary until January 2009 (then it's compulsory) and you will still need to provide Advance Passenger Information to your airline.
Hopefully the Travel Agents will have to inform customers of this change in the next few months. Hope this cleared things up for you.

 

[wickesy]

You don't have to print anything off, but I have printed my authorisation off and will take it with me - 'just in case'.

 

[wifey]

You don't have to print anything off, but I have printed my authorisation off and will take it with me - 'just in case'.

Good idea

 

[JANNYANS]

the 3 days is the minimum they ask for .Once you have authorisation it lasts 2 years and you won't be able to booka flight for after Jan 2009 without an ESTA number for everyone travelling.You get an instant answer to whether you are able to travel visa free or whether you nee a visa.It has to be done online but a third party can do it for you.

 

[wickesy]

you won't be able to booka flight for after Jan 2009 without an ESTA number for everyone travelling.

The official web site only says you have to have authorisation before BOARDING not before BOOKING as far as I can see.

 

[Lizzybear]

Yeah I was thinking, not everyone can fill it in. Those with visas will still need to do the white forms on the plane so presumably you don't need a number just to book. I do wonder though, those who have travelled without a visa before who legally need one, would they be 'flagged' on the system. I guess time will tell..

 

[wickesy]

I would imagine that the airlines will add it to the check-in process so you either have to provide an authorisation number or show a valid US entry visa before you are issued with a boarding pass.

Those without internet access are going to have to ask family, friends or a travel agent to obtain the authorisation for them.

 

[JANNYANS]

My contacts within the travel industry tell me that in the future it most likely you will be asked for your Esta number when booking so I should have said may not be able to book.

 

[wayneg]

I was reading a newspaper article on the subject while in Florida this month, can't remember if it was Orlando Sentinel or USA today. People within the tourism industry in the US are asking as many questions as UK travellers about the new system. They are terrified its going to deter many needed UK travellers. They asked a Spokesperson what if someone arrives without pre-filing info after the compulsary date. Response was there will be a long transition period where no-one will be turned away. I guess it would probably mean an interview with the immigration officers and a delay getting out of the airport but the way it read entry will still be allowed for now.
For us it will great, now filling in about 24 green forms every 2 years, hoping this is just once every 2 years online.