Flying to the USA this holidays? You need to read this. The United States has just changed the Visa rules.
New York Central Park. Picture: Shutterstock
“The U.S. Customs and Border Protection have issued a mandate that effective immediately, all guests are no longer able to apply and be approved for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) within 72 hours of travel departure.”
“Guests must now apply for their ESTA at least 72 hours in advance of travel. For all guests who have approved ESTA’s there will be no change to their check-in. Guests arriving at the airport for travel to the United States without a previously approved ESTA will likely result in being denied boarding.”
That’s right – you could be denied boarding if you haven’t applied and been approved for an ESTA visa at least THREE days before your flight to the USA.
What is an ESTA?
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and it determines whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risks. ESTA approval authorizes a traveller to board a carrier for travel to the United States under the VWP.
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Travel allows you to get outside your bubble. It makes you realise there are other ways to do things, and that’s OK. Plus, I am a huge fan of skiing and for the best powder – you need to head overseas.