08 January 2009

New US Customs rules come into force next week

Travellers planning to visit the US under the visa waiver scheme must comply with new US Customs regulations from January 12.

They will need to register online with the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before departure at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

They will have to provide information usually provided by completing a form on board the plane, or that most countries already collect at their borders.

BA is advising passengers to go online or to their travel agent to obtain an ESTA that is valid for two years.

They are warning customers to apply for an ESTA well in advance of their scheduled departure or they may face a delay to their journey.

BA’s government and industry affairs manager Jim Forster said: "The US is our biggest overseas market and we have been working hard to advise our visa waiver customers that they must apply to the Department of Homeland Security well in advance of travel."

VWP warned that unauthorised third-parties have established websites charging for information about ESTA and for submitting ESTA applications on behalf of travellers.

"These websites are not endorsed by, or affiliated in any way, with the US Government," said a statement.

"The US Government does not charge a fee for ESTA. Use of a private service to apply for travel authorization via ESTA will not expedite the granting of approval."

By Bev Fearis