The monstrosity of New York, the glamour of Los Angeles, the glitter of Las Vegas, the excitement of Orlando and the cultural enrichment of Washington – all this and much more lure holidaymakers into searching for cheap airfares for United States holidays!
Planning to visit the country may baffle one with somewhat elaborate procedures related to one’s admittance into the country after disembarking flights to USA. Valuable information about such factors as entry requirements, types of Visas to US is as significant to possess as it is for destinations and tickets on cheap flight to USA.
Read on to get equipped with some useful information on Visa to USA for Britons.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
US Visa Waiver Programme enables British citizens to visit the country for up to 90 days. The program includes general travel/tourism, business and transit journeys. Only those British passport holders described as a ‘British Citizen’ on the photo page of their passport are entitled to take advantage of the VWP.
Electronic Travel System Authorisation /ESTA
ESTA is an automated system that is used to determine the eligibility of the travellers visiting the US under the VWP. Travellers are supposed to furnish details online at least 72 hours before they board their flights to USA. Take a look at some important features of ESTA.
- Travellers who do not have an ESTA and are travelling under Visa Waiver Programme will be denied entry into the US.
- ESTA is valid for only two years or till the validity of the traveller's passport lasts (whichever is shorter).
- A charge of $14 is applicable for ESTA and payments can only be made through a credit card by the applicants.
- If you have no access to the Internet, third party such as a relative or travel agent can apply for the ESTA on your behalf. But the applicant must be aware that he will be held accountable for the answers provided on his behalf.
- A number of businesses and websites are floating in the market that offer information on ESTA and submit applications on the behalf of visitors for a fee. These websites are in no way associated with the Government of United States. Travellers must be wary for such businesses.
Emergency Travel Documents (ETD)
UK Emergency Travel Documents holders must apply for appropriate US visa as ETD is not valid for entry into the US under the VWP.
Visiting Canada & Re-admittance to USA
Those visiting USA on the Visa Waiver Program and intending to take a tour to Canada and must know that US authorities generally allow re-entry to such travellers under the VWP as long as they still meet the requirements of the VWP. There have been few incidents reported by British Consulate General in Toronto wherein some travellers were rejected for re-entry from Canada into the United States.
Be Aware of Visa Information before Grabbing Flights to USA