prohibited items entering us
06Feb2020

ESTA Travel - Prohibited items when entering the US

Learn about restricted and prohibited items when visiting the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme


You may know, the Electronic Travel Authorisation System (ESTA), as part of the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), offers the convenience of visa-free travel to the United States. And its flexible 90-day limit for stays make it an easy choice for savvy travellers. But, do you know what items are restricted for import into the country? Perhaps you will be visiting your best… READ MORE
online-esta-application
10Dec2019

ESTA Timeline: Application, Duration and Validity

Understanding the timeline of procedures for ESTA to ensure seamless travel to the U.S.
 

Last month, hundreds of UK travellers were unable to fly to the USA due to a problem with the ESTA application system. As you would expect, this resulted in significant outrage and many disappointed holidaymakers, so here we will look at how this can be avoided so that you never find yourself in the same situation.

What happened?

Periodically, changes… READ MORE
connecting-flights-usa-esta
06Nov2019

Connecting flights to and within the USA – What you need to know

One thing that all Visa Waiver Programme member countries have in common is that they are a long way away from the United States! This means that, although direct routes are certainly available, sometimes your only option is to take multiple flights. Here we will take a look at what a connecting flight means for your journey when you’re visiting the USA with your ESTA.

 

If you are going to the United States from the United

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Automated-Kiosk
07Oct2019

Automated kiosks at the United States airports

When you travel to the USA with ESTA, many airports give you the opportunity to speed up the process thanks to Automated Passport Control. This is a quick and easy procedure that makes your journey under the Visa Waiver Programme even easier. So let’s look at how it works…

 

If you’ve ever travelled to the USA before, you’re probably familiar with the moment that the in-flight crew pass through the cabin handing out customs declarations

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esta-visa-offences
03Sep2019

Minor offences and travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme

When travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme, it is important to know what the grounds for inadmissibility are when it comes to having committed minor offences in the past.

 

A British tourist was recently turned away upon arrival in the USA when customs officials found an old text message about cocaine on her phone. This occurred when she and a friend travelled to Los Angeles, and were taken aside for further questioning when

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esta-uk-usa
02Aug2019

Planning a Trip to the USA during this summer with your ESTA Authorisation?

The summer is in full swing and and that means a lot more holidaymakers crossing the skies to embark on their summer breaks. As a hugely popular travel destination amongst Brits, the USA sees an influx of tourists throughout this time, which includes hikes in flight and accommodation prices and busier airports. Busier airports mean longer waiting times.


So, what can you expect when travelling to the USA this summer?

 

Let’s start with

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ESTA-Visa-Overstay
12Jul2019

Exceeding the 90 day limit of the ESTA

Everyone who travels to the USA, either on a visa or with an ESTA, has an authorised period of time that they can spend there. With visas this varies according to its type, and with ESTA this period is always 90 days. Here we will take a look at what it means to overstay this authorisation period and the implications.

 

Last month, President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on ‘Combatting High Non-immigrant Overstay Rates’. This memorandum…

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esta-jolt-act-change
27Jun2019

Rebranding the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)

The UK, along with 37 other countries, already benefits from membership of the US Visa Waiver Programme. This programme allows their citizens to apply for a visa waiver known as ‘ESTA’, with which they can travel to the USA for work or leisure, for up to 90 days at a time. This is a much cheaper and faster alternative to traditional US visas. Though the programme is well-established, there is currently a large effort to revamp and rebrand it…

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ESTA-Travel-Insurance
15May2019

Which travel insurance should you buy when visiting the USA? What to know when travelling with the ESTA in 2021

Are you planning an idyllic romantic trip to Cape Cod with your partner? Or perhaps going white-water rafting in Colorado? With springtime upon us, plenty of travelers consider the United States as a destination. ESTA allows citizens of the 38 Visa Waiver Program member countries to travel to the USA without a visa, which entails a world of opportunity. Here we’ll look at why insurance is a good idea when visiting this vast country…

 

No matter

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ESTA-Brand-USA
20Feb2019

Brand USA Travel Week to be held in London this September

Brand USA is a private-public organisation that promotes the USA as a destination, both for travel and business, that has existed since 2010. This year marks the first edition of ‘Brand USA Travel Week’, which will come to London in September to promote tourism and business prospects to the United Kingdom and Europe as a whole.

 

Brand USA also works as a source of information, informing travellers on visa and entry policies. Naturally, a large part…

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ESTA-Thanksgiving-USA
13Nov2018

Thanksgiving in the USA with ESTA

That magical time of the year is upon us as we’re fully immersed in the Autumn; it is time to start preparing for Thanksgiving! Although it is always a good time to demonstrate gratitude, carving out a specific day (as well as a turkey) to do so helps set not just a reminder on the calendar, but also enables friends and family to plan ahead and get together, in order to celebrate whatever luck we’ve had in the past year.

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20Aug2018

The Visa Waiver Programme has positive results in overstays

Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security published their annual Entry/Exit Overstay Report. The report details the number of visitors during the financial year who have stayed in the United States beyond the term of their visa or ESTA. Among other things, this is a key indication as to the success of the Visa Waiver Programme, and can provide some guidelines as to how to improve the general system.

In this respect, by analysing the ‘overstay…

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ESTA USA Travel
29Jun2018

Prepare for your trip to the USA with this ESTA Infographic

Are you traveling to the USA soon? Get your ESTA first, then check out this helpful infographic to help you prepare for your trip to the USA. 

The United States is a large country that offers something for everyone. It's important to plan your trip to maximize your fun while you are there, and this infographic can help you get started. 

Find cool places to visit, popular cities, destinations and tourist attractions, and get help with… READ MORE
ESTA-train
18Jun2018

Train travel in the USA with ESTA

You might be familiar with Europe’s Interrail system, but did you know that the USA has their own version for interstate travel? When you travel to the USA with ESTA, you can embark on your own rail adventure across the country.

The US equivalent of Interrail is known as the USA Rail Pass, which is sold by AMTRAK; the country’s sole interstate rail company. AMTRAK has 500 destinations throughout the United States, so there are…

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ESTA-Fraud
08Jun2018

Passport fraud troubling for Visa Waiver Programme

Officials in the United States have uncovered passport fraud in Hungary that has led to non-Hungarian citizens being able to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme.

The Visa Waiver Programme allows citizens of 38 countries to apply for ESTA online. ESTA is the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, and serves as an automated screening system to provide applicants with quick authorisation to visit the United States without the need for a visa. If approved, these…

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