Sunday, November 14, 2010

New entry requirements for US

I saw a news of new entry requirement for US in the lastest Bulletin, it saids that United States government has introduced an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) which applies to all Australian passport holders visiting United States.

With the introduction of this new system, it makes my trip planning even more complicated. From 4 September 2010, the government will charge a US$14 as payment for the mandatory ESTA for all individuals intending to travel to the United States.


I went to my travel agent to sort things out and found out heaps more about ESTA. It basically is a web-based system administered by the United States Government that determines the preliminary eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States. Travellors who do not have a valid ESTA may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission to US.Travellor is required to complete an ESTA application using the online system.

My travel agent recommends me to use the online system no later than three days (72 hours) before departure, keep a print out copy of  my ESTA application number for reference, because it is often required, at airports or seaports. According to them, current statistics shows that ESTA refusals are less than one half of a per cent. Therefore, the chance of me getting the approval is very likely.

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