17 November 2008

Apply 72 hours in advance if you want to fly to the US

Strict new US border regulations will mean people travelling to America must apply for permission three days in advance.

Airlines will be required to comply with the mandatory Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), introduced by the US government for all passengers flying into America from January 12.

British Airways said passengers planning to visit the US under the visa waiver scheme need to comply with the new rules.

The US legislation requires all travellers to provide personal information including their name, date of birth, and passport details, as well as travel information such as the flight number and destination address in the US

This is in addition to Advanced Passenger Information (API), which requires personal and travel details from the time of booking.

The purpose of ESTA is to allow the Department of Homeland Security to determine whether an individual is eligible to enter the US before they start their journey.

Travellers who fail to apply for ESTA before they depart are expected to be refused travel Ã¢â¬' it is recommended that they apply at least 72 hours in advance.

Those making late bookings can still apply, but there is risk that they may not receive immediate confirmation, BA warned.

The benefit of an ESTA is that it will be valid for two years and will allow multiple visits to the US within that period without passengers having to apply again.

Travellers can provide the information online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov or via a travel agent.

BA government and industry affairs manager Jim Forster said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœThe US is our biggest overseas market.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe have been working hard to ensure that Visa waiver customers are aware that they must apply to the Department of Homeland Security at least 72 hours in advance of travel.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThe website is quick and easy to use and the ESTA remains valid for two years.
Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe will be sending reminder messages to customers who have given us their email details to invite them to apply for ESTA.Ã¢â¬~

Travellers to the US must continue filling in the green I-94W form available at check-in or onboard until further notice.

by Phil Davies