Travel insurance: Heading to the US? Don't forget ESTA

Thursday, 14 January 2010

Anyone travelling to the US under the Visa Waiver Program from later this month must ensure they have all the relevant documentation in place.

As well as taking out travel insurance cover and changing money into dollars, passengers should also prepare for their trip by completing the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form.

From January 20th, US Customs and Border Protection makes it mandatory for all travellers under the Visa Waiver Program to have been approved to travel through the ESTA scheme.

British Airways advises passengers to apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before their flight.

"Under the new regulations, we will not be able to accept US-bound customers for their flight if they have not received ESTA approval or if they do not hold a valid visa or Green Card," explained director of customer service Silla Maizey.

The ESTA approval can be obtained free of charge online and takes around 15 minutes to fill out, with approval generally being received within minutes, it is then valid for two years.

Posted by Rebecca Mellor

© Adfero Ltd

News Home