advertisement feature
Don’t let your ESTA application fester
Travel agents looking to position themselves as a source of great advice for their customers – and partially commit them to a holiday to the US – are urged to act before Wednesday 8th September, after which a $14 (approx £9) per person charge will be levied for all ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) applications. The completion and approval of an ESTA is mandatory ahead of travel to America for all travellers on the Visa Waiver Programme. This means that agents and their customers looking to avoid paying for their ESTA still have time to apply – and enjoy the benefits of multiple entry to the USA for the entire two year duration
for which the authorisation is
valid, even if they are not immediately planning to visit. Although some commenta- tors have expressed surprise at the imposition of the charge, the $56 million that is estimated will
be raised from it (based on the current visitor vol- ume) will find its way back to the UK in the form of greater
investment in both trade and consumer pro- motions for the destination. The ESTA was introduced by the US Department of Homeland Security in January 2010 to supersede the I-94 paper process. It takes around 10 minutes to apply for online at the ESTA website (
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov), lasts two years once completed and is valid for multiple entries to the
US during that period. The reasons for its introduction are manifold, and include a desire to automate the procedure and bring it in to the 21st century, reduce the possibility of error around the completion of the old green forms and do away with the need for travellers to complete those forms on every journey to the States. It is recommended that travellers complete the application at least 72 hours prior to departure (although the system will accommodate last minute travel) and approval – unless there is an issue – is usually immediate. Applications can be paid for by credit card and no other charges apply. A number of bogus agencies offering to process ESTA applications for a price have sprung up, which should be avoided. To register for your ESTA, go to: www.
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Phil Bloomfield is Head of PR at Virgin Holidays and a member of the Visit USA PR Committee –
www.visitusa.org.uk
it’s your night
Don’t miss out and book your tickets now.
ttgtravelawards.com
Sponsors co uk
03.09.2010
29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60