Travelling to the US - what's changed?

[WiseOldSage]

Can anyone shed any light on whatever was on the news yesterday about travelling to the US now? Seemingly (only caught the tail end of it) you need to do something online now? Has the Visa Waiver thing been abolished or something?

[Lakitu]

You need to apply for an entry Visa online now.

[WiseOldSage]

Wondering if I can do that for a third party because have booked a trip to NYC and don't want them to know until we get to the airport LOL

[auntiebertie]

WOS - yes you can - if you can get hold of their passport - that is all you need. Takes about 3 minutes to complete.

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

BIG TIP it does not email you your confirmation so when you get to the final approval page with your approval code on it, you must take a screengrab of this and keep a printed out copy with you to show at the airport. If boarding a cruise ship you will also have to show this.

ESTA is the replacement of the green form you had to fill in on the plane before. Once you have completed it on line you get an approval number. It is good for 2 years but you have to resubmit an ESTA if your name changes, or your passport expires.

[thugulike]

WOS I've just completed my application. Beware of a sponsored site which tries to charge you for advice. You don't need to pay anything for the visa, Very simple once I'd found the right site.

[WiseOldSage]

Thanks guys - did a bit of shopping around and a few sites with $$$$$ signs were on there. Didn't think you would pay but wanted to check anyway - great advice - thanks

[dzug]

The visa waiver still exists - it's just been made an online system rather than a paper one. Apart from this, nothing has changed.

[Dee Sa]

attn thugulike
can you tell me the correct site pls
many tks Dee