Posts tagged ESTA
USA travel boost expected with new legislation
Mar 2nd
New legislation introduced by the US government is being brought to clarify travel and security policies for visitors and travellers to the USA and to promote America as a top tourist destination.
The new programme is aimed at attracting an extra 1.6 million visitors which will increase consumer spend by up to ‚£2.6 billion ($4 billion).
President and Chief Executive of US travel Association, Roger Dow said, “This is a historic victory for the US economy and the one in eight American workers whose jobs depend on travel.
“The United States Congress has sent a clear message that travel is a high priority to our nation and that tangible steps must be taken to increase travel to and within the United States.”
President Obama is expected approve the legislation in the next week.
Currently holidaymakers and business travellers visiting the USA are required to complete the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before departing to the US on a family holiday to Orlando Florida, or taking a romantic city break in New York.
US Homeland Security Change Visa
Jan 12th
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.
US visa waiver scheme goes electronic
Nov 24th
From January 12 2009 British citizens and travellers from other countries who are eligible to travel to the US under its visa waiver programme will have to apply online for permission before travelling.
The newly introduced Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) replaces the traditional written form and allows travellers to enter the US without a visa and to stay for up to 90 days.
The authorisations remain valid for up to two years or until the applicants passport expires.
Initially there will be no fee for the service but discussions are underway to decide whether or not to introduce one as time goes on.
The UK and 26 other countries have now been joined by the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia on the list of countries allowed to take part in the visa waiver programme.