Agents asked to take lead role with ESTA

AGENTS are being urged to become familiar with new US visa rules that come into effect in the New Year.

The present Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), which allows most tourists entry to the country for up to 90 days without the need to obtain a visa from the US Embassy, is to be replaced by new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) arrangements, which start on January 12 and is on a voluntary basis until then.

From that date, instead of completing the green VWP I94 form onboard their flight, qualifying UK citizens will need to apply online and in advance of travelling. The process is a simple one and something agents will want to offer clients as part and parcel of their service when booking a US package. US immigration authorities say the ESTA information required of passengers is no different to that on the current I-94 form and that, in the vast majority of cases, a message indicating authorisation to travel – or not – will be instant.

However, some applicants will receive a ‘Pending’ message, which could delay authorisation by up to 48 hours, making an early application crucial.

Thus agents should advise customers that anyone planning to travel to the US should apply for their ESTA authorisation as far in advance as possible, and no later than 72 hours before travelling. There will, though, be accommodations for those flying at the last minute or in emergencies”.

Visit USA’s chief operating officer, Alan Waddell, said: “ESTA is a clear and simple approval-to-travel mechanism that will remove all the uncertainty of travelling to the US… it will be easy for agents to clear up any confusion their US-bound clients might have about the new arrangements by obtaining ESTA approval for them,”

Once approved, an ESTA is valid for multiple entries over two years – or until the holder’s passport expires.

For more information see ‘Get to Know ESTA with Q&As’ below, and visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

There is also information on the Visit USA website www.visitusa.org.uk including a downloadable application form.

Get to know ESTA with Q&As

Test Phase
ESTA will be ‘on test’ until January 12th 2009 when online completion will then become mandatory for all Visa Waiver Programme travellers to the USA. Up to that date, use of the old manual I-94W form will still be mandatory, with the online version being voluntary and running in parallel with the I-94W. However approved electronic applications will still last two years before renewal.

When to apply?
The online version should be completed at least 72 hours before departure – applications can be made after that but they run the risk that approval may not be received ahead of travel. What happens to ESTA applications? Once the online application has been completed and, assuming it is satisfactory, the system will normally quickly respond with an approval. Travellers should make a note of the ESTA approval number in case they need to access their application later – such as to register their full USA address & flight details. Some applications may take up to 72 hours to approve whilst data is checked. Currently there is no charge for an ESTA application.

Who can complete ESTA?
Each family member travelling is required to complete an ESTA application and third party entry of data into ESTA is permitted – whether a relative or not. However the third party must be completely certain as to the accuracy of such entries. Any inaccuracies will be taken up with the applicant - NOT the third party and the applicant remains totally responsible for their own records.

APIS and ESTA?
Travellers who have previously travelled to the USA will know that additional information, relating to their journey, is already required. As ESTA & APIS data cover two different requirements and are run by two different government departments, both systems have to run separately. At some point the two may be merged so that duplicate information does not have to be provided, but currently there is no planned date for such a change.

Repeat Visits?
Updating ESTA data for repeat visits within the two-year ESTA duration is recommended but may not be mandatory. That is, upon entry into the USA, the Customs Border Protection officer will also have the traveller’s APIS data on screen at the same time as the ESTA data and this may lead to a query why the two sets of data do not match. Updating ESTA with new arrival and the first night’s stay data will save time at the point of entry as it will mean fewer questions.

I do not yet know the US destination address or flight details
ESTA applications can still be made without a full address and flights. In the short term, flight details are not required and a generic address only will suffice. For example, city and state. Applicants should register full address & flight details once known.

ESTA Refusals?
Experience to date confirms that ESTA has not created additional refusals to travel over current levels – currently ESTA refusals are less than ½ %. Any applicant receiving a refusal and still wishing to travel to the USA, will need to apply to the US Embassy for a Visa.

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