Changes have been made to US visa regulations but sixty per cent of travellers originating from Britain are completely unaware. According to the article “Brits still unaware of new US visa requirements” if you are planning to travel to the US and do not have ESTA (the new visa for the US) you will not only be refused entry but will be unable to claim a refund via your travel insurance.
What exactly is an ESTA? It is a mandatory early clearance procedure to allow the USA’s Department of Homeland Security to determine whether or not a traveller is allowed to enter the country. To register you will be required to submit your passport details, name, date of birth and travelling specifics.
The brand new Electronic System for Travel Authorisation or ESTA (for short) is achieved by registering online at least three days before you are due to set off. It is essential you do this to travel to the US under the visa waivering programme. If you have not received ESTA approval, it is highly unlikely that you will be allowed to fly and even if you do you can still be refused entry at US customs.
To be eligible for a free of charge ESTA, you will need to be a British citizen travelling to the US under the visa waivering scheme, which allows you to visit the country for ninety days without a visa.
The ESTA is limited to two years and allows for numerous visits to the country. After this period you will be required to reapply for free of charge.