More than half of people do not know about a new online US visa waiver requirement hat comes into force from today.   The poll of 2,000 found that 57% were not aware of the new procedure.   And with more than a third (37%) of those questioned planning or considering a trip to the US, travellers could be returning home sooner than they thought.   But 37% welcomed the new system, with more than one in three (38%) keen for other countries to follow suit where a visa is required and implement a Visa Waiver Programme.   The research by travelsupermarket.com also found out that nearly one in 10 (9%) has been unable to travel to a country because their passport had less than six months left before expiring.   Company spokesman Bob Atkinson said: “It’s worrying that so many people aren’t even aware of America’s new Visa Waiver Programme.    “For those who don’t get themselves organised in advance, there may be huge disappointment if they are turned away at check in or at the boarding gate.   “For the USA it’s best to organise your visa online at least 72 hours before your flight, and it will then be valid for two years, or the length of your passport depending on whichever is shortest.  “Although some people should be planning far earlier in case a visit is requited to the embassy, such as anyone who has a criminal record.   “With the requirement to have at least six months left on a passport before travelling to the US, as well as this new online system, we urge passengers to plan well ahead before they set off on their journey to avoid a costly disappointment.   “Our advice is to think ahead and check everything to ensure your dream holiday does not start as a nightmare.”   by Phil Davies

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Michael Madison 16 January 2009, 16:49:43 GMT value proposition Travel agents are indeed of value to many and for many types of trips. However, when high street agents compare themselves to online competition, I hope that they have better arguments than their conscientiousness and ability to provide information. The problem is with online providers if they fail to provide this type of information (many may be doing it right, hard to investigate without actually completing a booking, in this case). All the more because all transactions are automated and they could actually guarantee that the information is provided - during the booking process, and on the confirmation emails. In this case it would actually warrant an additional email advising of changes to the rules.   Nick Wagg Director, Silk Event Management 16 January 2009, 13:35:00 GMT Value of a Professional It seems that travellers fall into two categories - those who just want cheap and go the internet route regardless and those who are prepared to pay a little more and be sure they've got all the facts. Sure we all want good value for money but logically good service has to be paid for. Also it is in the travel agents' interest to make sure their clients are aware and before they travel - that's how they retain the business. I guess 'you pays your money and you make your choice'.   Joe Germano Manager, Transair International Travel 15 January 2009, 23:53:37 GMT Link to ESTA page for USA This shows that by booking direct travellers to the USA run a very high risk of being denied boarding due to non compliance. It proves the value of us travel agents. We have been advising clients of this new requirement since August 2008 and provide them all with a link to the relevant website page https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov so they may complete their registration. By doing this it makes it easy for clients to go to the right place to complete details and avoid headaches.   Ramon Alvarez 15 January 2009, 15:05:06 GMT More entry restriction the better Great, making more and more difficult to enter the USA the better for them because they will avoid the abuses and humillations going through security at US airports   Michael Madison 13 January 2009, 15:56:36 GMT value of travel agents Finally I now why travelers should be using travel agents. My point is that so much business is done online, and directly by airlines, that we should be allowed OTAs and airlines themselves to inform passengers. True, the ESTA website is good and clear. But the problem is that unless you know that it exists, and where to go for it, you have a problem - and if you don't speak good English you are completely stuffed.   Nick Wagg Director, Silk Event Management 13 January 2009, 12:29:00 GMT Simpler Than You Might Think The new ESTA has been available to sign up for since last September. My trael agent flagged it upto us back in August so perhaps find a travekl agent who is on the ball if you have not already been told about beofre this week. When it comes to signing up, before I went on the USDHS website I thought this was going to take me a long time BUT nothing could be further from the truth it only took about ten minutes from start to approval. So I had a positive experience.   Michael Madison 12 January 2009, 21:41:43 GMT information hard to find To add to previous comment: even looking for information on the detailed requirements, this is hard to find. US Embassy web sites are not easy to navigate and ony a long search on multiple US government sites gave me all the information (including how long a passport has to be valid when entering the US). This could / should be simpler.   Michael Madison 12 January 2009, 21:19:05 GMT airlines' role A friend of mine booked a trip from Europe to the US recently and only coincidentally found out about the new regulations. Airlines' web sites should highlight changes in rules clearly to bookers to avoid problems.