IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO THE USA

Currently, you still need to be Vaccinated and take a Covid Test 1 Calendar Day prior to travelling to the USA and complete a Passenger Attestation Form.

Your consultant will provide you with this information

TRAVEL AUTHORISATION – VISA WAIVER PROGAM (ALSO KNOWN AS AN “ESTA”)

The U.S.A requires you to obtain an “Electronic Travel Authorisation” AT LEAST 72 HOURS before you travel.

Please visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/  for further information and to apply.

YOU WILL BE DENIED BOARDING IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A VALID “ESTA”

PLEASE only use this website and only pay $21USD.  If you are asked to pay more than $21 USD you are on the wrong site and should not complete the process.  Please carefully check the website is exactly the same as listed above.

The ESTA will be valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever occurs first.

All payments for electronic travel authorisation applications must be made by credit card or debit card.

The application will not be submitted for processing until all payment information is received.

If you have answered ‘Yes” to any of the formal questions on the ESTA form (ie: criminal conviction) you will need to seek advice from the U.S Consulate.  Your Travel Advisor cannot do this for you.

Travelers in the following categories are not eligible to travel to the U.S under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):

• Nationals of VWP countries who have travelled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria on or after 01 March 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
• Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

Passports must have a minimum of 6 months validity from the date of scheduled return to Australia

DESTINATION ADDRESS

The United States Government requires all visitors to provide a US destination address prior to their departure flight into the USA.  Please have your details ready when checking in.

You will need the following:

• The address you provide must include a zip code.
• If you are providing a hotel address, it must include the hotel name, street name, city and state; a zip code
• If you are joining a cruise ship, provide the vessel and cruise names, and the US city of embarkation.
• If you are in transit, provide your final country of destination, the carrier or vessel name, and number.
• If you are hiring a car, provide the intended address of your first night in the US.

TRAVEL WITHIN THE U.S.A

When taking domestic flights within the USA, please note that the “liquids, gels and aerosol” rules apply to domestic flights.  As this is not the case within Australia, please be extremely careful when purchasing liquid duty free items when you have a connecting flight as security will confiscate any items over 100ml.

Most domestic flights in the USA also only offer “food for purchase”.  Airlines will accept credit card on board.

If you have specific dietary requirements ensure you take your own supply of food on board.

Security, as with anywhere in the world, is taken very seriously in the USA.  Please allow plenty of time to get through security screening before your flight.  Remember the population of the USA is over 300 million so be prepared for longer lines than we experience here in Australia.  Travel light remembering they will ask you to remove your belt, shoes etc.

CHECKED BAGGAGE

Most airlines for flights within the U.S.A charge for checked luggage.  Depending on how your ticket/s were booked, this will most likely apply to you.  Please check with your consultant.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Due to increased security measures on all flight to the UK & USA, next time you pass through airport security you may be asked to turn on any electronic or battery-powered device to prove its functionality.  If your device doesn’t turn on, you risk having the item confiscated or you may not be allowed onto your flight.  All electronic devices are to be carried in your carry-on luggage.  Please make sure your electronic devices are fully charged and don’t run your battery flat while in transit or on board the aircraft.  Carry a charger (and adaptor if needed) with you at all times as most airports have power points to use free of charge and some aircraft seats also supply power.

If you are unsure about anything mentioned above please ask your consultant.