ESTA BLOG

Will the Visa Waiver Program change under Trump?

In the run-up to November’s presidential election, many claims were made on both sides of the fence with respect to how the country would be run as of next year. One of the comments that caught our attention came from President-Elect Trump, as he discussed his thoughts on the Visa Waiver Programme: as part of his strong stance on borders, he called for the programme to be ended.
 
So, could Trump’s presidency result in policy changes that seriously… READ MORE

Looking for a DIY road trip with a difference?

Once you’ve got your ESTA travel authorisation sorted, here’s what you can do if you have just 10 days to spare…

First of all, consider your season. Did you know that whilst November in Britain is pretty much guaranteed to be dull and wet (not to mention short on evening light), over there in the South West of the USA they are basking in sunny days long enough - and cool enough - for all your best sight…

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The fascination that Americans have with the British

Remember, as a British citizen, you can travel to the USA without the need for a visa thanks to the Visa Waiver Programme. Instead of the lengthy visa application process, you can simply apply for ESTA online, and be approved for travel within just 24 hours. So, now is a better time than ever to really participate in this curious cross-cultural intrigue…
 
So what are we talking about here? Well, have you heard an American imitate a British… READ MORE

5 of the Best US National Parks to Visit this Autumn

As summer gradually fades out across the northern hemisphere, many parts of the USA are now transforming into a beautiful autumnal scene. This period of change is almost like a welcome ritual to British visitors seeking post-summer prices and pre-winter cold! Undoubtedly one of the best times of year to visit the USA, British visitors can easily travel to the USA thanks to the Visa Waiver Programme.

Under the Visa Waiver Programme, citizens from the UK, as well… READ MORE

Oktoberfest, American style!

Under the Visa Waiver Programme, you can visit the USA as a tourist with ESTA authorisation, avoiding the need for a traditional US visa. Though Germany may be closer, the diversity and scale of Oktoberfest in the USA is an experience in itself, and thanks to the ability to travel to the USA with ESTA, there’s no reason not to give it a go.

Originally dating back to a Royal Wedding in the early nineteenth century, Oktoberfest is… READ MORE

Unique Accommodations for ESTA Travels

Extravagance, creativity, excess, innovation: we know the USA has a reputation for pushing the boat out when it comes to its national endeavours, and their tourism industry is no different.

If you’re planning a trip to the USA, there are two things that you’ll undoubtedly need: an ESTA, which you can apply for online and receive within 24 hours, and a place to stay, which you can book online instantly. Unlike US visas, there’s only one kind of… READ MORE

From England to the States in Seven Hours

Imagine what our ancestors would have thought of the prospect of crossing the Atlantic Ocean, from the UK to the USA, in just seven hours. They simply would not have believed it. Similarly, imagine what our young parents would have thought at the idea of being able to travel to the States without a visa, and to get travel authorisation in just 24 hours. Baffled, that’s what they’d have been.
 
With thousands of planes in the sky at… READ MORE

The effect that Brexit could have on ESTA and the VWP

As the whole world now knows, last month the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. 51.9% of voters decided that this was the best path forward for the country, and yet it still came as a massive shock for the nation and the world. Consequently, the shockwaves have already been enormous.
 
Essentially, the vote did not directly cause the UK to leave the EU, and in fact it will most probably take at least two years… READ MORE

Brazil Adopts Temporary Visa Waiver Programme

This year, Brazil will be enforcing its own Visa Waiver Programme around the time of the Olympic Games, which will operate in a very similar way to the US visa exemption.
 
The United States have been operating a Visa Waiver Programme since the last century, and its most significant feature for international travellers is the ESTA – the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. The ESTA allows citizens of 38 countries to visit the USA without the need for… READ MORE

An ESTA Overview for UK Travellers

The ESTA came into force in 2008, serving as a time and cost-efficient alternative to the traditional US visa, designed specifically for citizens of a select group of countries that form part of the ‘Visa Waiver Programme’. The UK was the first country to appear on this ever-expanding list.
 
The main and perhaps most appealing difference between a visa and the ESTA is that, instead of following the traditional, lengthy process of applying for a visa in person… READ MORE

True American Sports: Part 2

It’s no news to anybody that sports form a major part of culture in the USA. Not only are they depicted in so many American films, but they are also broadcast live on UK television channels. If you are planning a trip to the United States, why not make it even more authentic by witnessing the buzz of American sport in real life. In order to travel to the USA as a British citizen, you simply need to order your…

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True American Sports: Part 1

When the declaration of independence was signed on July 4^th, 1776, the country was a hybrid of cultures, originating from the European settlers and the Native American population. Of course, the USA is still very much a blend of a great number of cultures, but certain traditions and customs have managed to propagate throughout the whole country. Undoubtedly, sport is one of them.
 
Whilst all countries share a passion for sport, and sport itself being an…

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Valentine’s Day in the USA

With Christmas over and done with, the next event to get to grips with is Valentine’s Day. If you’re still looking for a way to charm your other half, read on for a little American-themed inspiration. Apart from a little imagination, all you’ll need to get to the USA is your ESTA and a plane ticket! Here we’ll be taking a look at a few US cities and what they can offer you this February 14.

Valentine’s Day… READ MORE

US Security Updates and their effects on the ESTA

The Visa Waiver Programme makes travel to the USA a simple, easy process, for citizens of countries participating in the scheme. Instead of applying for a visa, passengers can apply for ESTA online (the Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which minimises the administrative procedure and applied for over the internet.
 
In order to keep this system running properly, the USA frequently revise their security measures, to ensure that they know exactly who is in the country and the… READ MORE

Living the American Christmas

We’ve all got a preconception of what Christmas in the USA is like. In fact, the way we treat the occasion is arguably heavily influenced by our American cousins, particularly in the commercial sense. Here we’ll be taking a look at some of the most iconic, curious and unmissable Christmas activities in the USA this year.
 

Shopping

 
An integral part of the over-all “Christmas experience”, it would be impossible to mention Christmas in the USA without… READ MORE