ESTA registration now compulsory for visa-free travellers to the USA

On 20 March 2010 the entry requirements to the USA, first introduced in January 2009, were tightened up for all airlines. Travellers may no longer enter the USA without a visa under the “Visa Waiver Program” – unless they have obtained an electronic entry permit from the U.S. authorities before departure.

You can register online via ESTA, the “Electronic System for Travel Authorization” to obtain your entry permit. If you do not have a valid permit when you check in for your flight to the USA, you will not be allowed to board the flight to the USA.