When flying to or via the USA there are some important rules that you will need to comply with. All passengers will have to meet the full entry requirements before being allowed to fly to the USA.
The entire requirements to the USA include:
- Have a valid, machine-readable or biometric passport.
- Be eligible for the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) or apply for a visa.
- Apply for authorisation to travel on the official Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) website.
- Submit your Advanced Passenger Information (API) on your airline or tour operator’s website.
- Provide your Secure Flight Passenger Detail (SFPD) information at time of booking.
When travelling to the US you must have the correct passport to travel on the Visa Waiver Programme or have obtained the correct visa, valid for your stay. Each person wishing to visit the US must have an e-passport that contains the microchip and the e-passport symbol and a Visa Waiver Form or a valid passport and a valid visa which must be obtained before travel from the US authorities.
Visa Waiver Programme (VWP)
If you hold a valid machine-readable or Biometric British passport you might be able to qualify for travel of up to 90 days without a visa to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). If you have a non-British passport or do not qualify for the VWP, you should consult the US Embassy. For more information please visit https://uk.usembassy.gov/.
Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)
If you are flying to the USA it is mandatory to submit an ESTA application, which has been introduced in addition to the existing Visa Waiver Programme. This application is a US Customs & Passport Control entry requirement and you may be refused entry if you have not completed this online form at least 72 hours before departure. For more information please visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
Advance Passenger Information System (APIS)
Government authorities have tightened security at airports in order to ensure safe travel to your destination. Airlines and Tour Operators are required to collect details of your destination accommodations, country of residence, and passport details before travel. You must provide this information before you will be able to check in for your flight. The easiest way to do this is through the airline’s ‘Manage My Booking’ section on their website. For more information please visit https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov/.
Secure Flight Passenger Detail (SFPD)
The Secure Flight Program enhances the security of air travel by improving the process of watch list matching. The details for SFPD help improve your travel experience. The information you provide will be passed to the USA’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA). For more information please visit www.tsa.gov.
The information you are required to submit upon booking includes:
- Full name as it appears on passport (including middle names)
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Redress number if available (please see www.tsa.gov for further information)
Please note that if you fail to provide us with this information you may incur a fine or be refused entry to the USA. Also, your airline may disable our facility to issue your ticket and have advised they reserve the right to cancel any reservations without this detail 72 hours prior to departure.
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