A new system for entering the US is now in place, rather than filling out the green Homeland Security slips on the flight the new system has to be done electronically.

According to TravelMole by a recent survey by travelsupermarlet.com the 2,000 people asked, just over half new about the new procedure.

Now called the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), the electronic form needs to be completed at least 72hours before departure for the US, and is run by the US Department for Homeland Security as part of the Visa Waiver Programme.

The system has been developed to reduce the amount of people trying to enter the US who have been denied access, therefore wasting time and money.

The registration is valid for up to 2 years or up the length of your passport, depending on which expires first, multiple entries may also be granted.

A reminder for the change in protocol will be advertised towards the end of January 2009.

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