NEW requirements for Travellers to the USA!

Electronic System for Travel Authorisation Scheme
As of 12th January 2009, the US will introduce a compulsory online registration system under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization scheme, known as ESTA, which contains the same information as the I-94W form previously handed out on board aircraft, which a passenger was required to complete and present to US immigration. The ESTA will replace the I-94W and all travellers in possession a machine readable UK (red) passport must apply for Travel Authorisation at least 72 hours in advance of their departure. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operate these additional controls and all travellers will be responsible for supplying and processing this online declaration. The ESTA can be applied for online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Please note there is no fee for applying for an ESTA on the official website.
The Travel Authorisation is not a visa and only pre-screens the traveller and allows him or her to travel to the United States and apply for admission. An approved Traveller Authorisation is not a guaranteed entry, but is a prerequisite to travel to the United States by air or sea. A person holding a passport from a non-visa waiver country should not attempt to apply for a Travel Authorisation and will require a US entry Visa. As of 12th January 2009 failure to obtain an ESTA could result in a passenger being denied boarding by the airline. The alternative is to hold a valid visa. The ESTA is part of the Visa Waiver Programme and does not replace the need for a visa. The Visit USA website http://www.visitusa.org.uk/visitors/esta.aspx carries some useful background information on the ESTA.

Should you have any concerns about pre-registration using ESTA please contact your travel agent or Funway Holidays Int Inc on 0844 55 70 770.

Travel Advice
For government advice on your destination, see www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo or call ABTA Information Line on 0901 201 5050 (calls are charged at 50p per minute).

Important – Baggage Fees
International travellers (including those passengers with an inclusive stop over) will enjoy the benefit of complimentary baggage carriage on all internal flights. To avoid charges please ensure that the airport check-in staff are made aware that your departure originated from the UK and included roundtrip transatlantic flights.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our team of travel professionals on 0844 557 3333.