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USA Visa Waiver

Most EU nationals do not need a visa to enter the USA. However, there are a number of nationalities who do need a valid transit visa to enter the USA or transit between terminals.

Details of those entitled to travel under the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme and those requiring a visa to enter the USA or to transit between terminals can be found in Timatic in your CRS.

Please note all travelers must be in possession of a machine-readable passport. 

Important 2009 Changes to the US Visa Waiver Programme

From 12 January 2009 it will be compulsory for travellers to the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) no later than 72 hours prior to departure.  This online form will replace the green visa waiver form (I-94W) which is currently completed whilst en-route to the US.

Travellers should visit the US Department of Homeland Security website and fill in the required information. In most cases a response will be received within seconds determining whether travel to the US has been authorised.  If the application is not authorised then a visa may be requested through the US Embassy. In some instances customers will need to wait up to 72 hours for authorisation.

Until the US authorities withdraw the I-94W it will remain a requirement to complete this form on board the aircraft.

An approved travel authorisation is valid for two years for multiple entries into the US. A new application will be required if a new passport is obtained within the two-year period or if the answers to any of the YES/NO questions on the ESTA form change.

If you are travelling in less than 72 hours you are still eligible to apply for an ESTA, however you are advised to visit the US Department of Homeland Security website for more information or contact your nearest US Embassy.

ESTA is in addition to the requirement for all customers to submit APIS (Advanced Passenger Information System) data.