Big Apple, New York, is among the most popular gateways to America that greets millions of holidaymakers every year. Vital entry requisites such as Visa Waiver Program, ESTA and APIS may turn out to be tricky for first-time visitors booking flights bound for any city of USA. It makes sense to get introduced to such vital requisites before-hand. Here are a few fast facts about VWP, ESTA and APIS. However, it is recommended that travellers check the FCO’s advice on entry requirements for more updated details.
Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program permits most British passport holders boarding flights destined for New York to enter the country without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism, certain business visits and transit. But for those who have British passports with nationality other than ‘British Citizen’, a valid visa is required.
ESTA
Britons who are seeking cheap flights for holidays to New York under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must obtain an approved travel authorization prior to their travel. Travellers must enter the required biographic, travel and credit card information on the secure website to determine their eligibility to travel to New York or any other part of USA under the Visa Waiver Program without a visa.
ESTA is valid for two years or till passport’s validity, whichever is shorter. ESTA alone does not guarantee admissions to the city as the final decision rests with Customs and Border Protection authorities.
All applicants requesting an electronic travel authorization are charged for the processing of the application. In case the application is approved, an additional $10.00 is charged to applicant’s credit card. But if the ESTA is denied, applicants are only charged for the processing fee. For further details on the same, please visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
APIS
Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) is information about travellers necessitated by the US government prior to travel to the country. It is important for all travellers to furnish their information such as passport details, country of residence and address of the first night’s accommodation in the US, etc to their airlines at least 72 hours before the scheduled departure of their flights to different cities in the USA including New York.
