ohmdafyd
30-01-10, 09:33
Warning for travellers on US entry requirements
KAY O'SULLIVAN
January 30, 2010
US deadline
Travellers to the US who have not registered their details online via the US Embassy will not be allowed to board flights from March 20.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) replaced the visa system a year ago but up until now travellers who hadn't registered online were permitted to fill in a landing card on US-bound flights. But the Department of Homeland Security has announced it will fine airlines that let passengers without electronic authorisation on board. It is also warns that those passengers could be refused entry to the US.
The US Travel Association, the industry's peak body, is concerned the change could mean up to 67,000 people a month will be denied entry to the US, resulting in estimated lost revenue of $13.2 million daily. Roger Dow, the association's president, says 91 per cent of the 17 million travellers who visit the US annually comply with the regulations.
The association has asked the US Congress to fund alternative enrolment mechanisms, including internet kiosks at international airport terminals and at other ports of entry to enable travellers to comply with ESTA requirements.
Electronic authorisation is quick and easy and requires the same information as landing cards.
The free online authorisation remains valid for multiple entries over two years or until a passport expires. The US Embassy advises that details should lodged at least 72 hours before departure. US travel authorisation is made on the secure website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/).
KAY O'SULLIVAN
January 30, 2010
US deadline
Travellers to the US who have not registered their details online via the US Embassy will not be allowed to board flights from March 20.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) replaced the visa system a year ago but up until now travellers who hadn't registered online were permitted to fill in a landing card on US-bound flights. But the Department of Homeland Security has announced it will fine airlines that let passengers without electronic authorisation on board. It is also warns that those passengers could be refused entry to the US.
The US Travel Association, the industry's peak body, is concerned the change could mean up to 67,000 people a month will be denied entry to the US, resulting in estimated lost revenue of $13.2 million daily. Roger Dow, the association's president, says 91 per cent of the 17 million travellers who visit the US annually comply with the regulations.
The association has asked the US Congress to fund alternative enrolment mechanisms, including internet kiosks at international airport terminals and at other ports of entry to enable travellers to comply with ESTA requirements.
Electronic authorisation is quick and easy and requires the same information as landing cards.
The free online authorisation remains valid for multiple entries over two years or until a passport expires. The US Embassy advises that details should lodged at least 72 hours before departure. US travel authorisation is made on the secure website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/).