New Entry Requirements to the USA

Effective from 12 January, 2009, the US Department of Homeland Security will introduce new immigration procedures for all passengers intending to enter the USA.

Under the new procedures, travellers wishing to visit the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme – which includes passport holders from Australia and New Zealand – will be required to “pre-register” their intention to enter America at least 72 hours prior to their scheduled departure.

This requires all intending travellers to apply online to the Department of Homeland Security for a travel authorisation, prior to boarding an aircraft or vessel to the USA.

Travellers who do not apply for and receive a formal travel authorisation ahead of their intended departure date will not be able to board a flight or ship to the USA.

This is not a regulation created by airlines. It is a requirement of the US Government, and unfortunately, where passengers do not have a travel authorisation, airline check in staff will not be able to resolve the problem. Nor will the airlines be liable for any costs or cancellation penalties or inconvenience where travellers do not have a travel authorisation, and are not permitted to travel.

To apply on line for a US Travel Authorisation, visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta. The application is free of charge and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. It is valid for two years for holders of a valid passport.

Once a travel authorisation is sought and obtained, passengers must update their travel plans on line for subsequent visits to the USA, quoting their travel authorisation number.