No ESTA, no entry: New rules for entering U.S

U.S-bound travellers flying under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will now be required to complete an online form before boarding their flights.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) form, which can take anywhere between a few minutes and 72 hours to be approved, enables travellers to legally enter the U.S.

The ESTA replaces the green I-94 card which passengers have previously filled in on their flight into the US.

The ESTA scheme was first implemented in January 2009 but it is now mandatory for all 35 countries with US “visa waiver” status.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will fine airlines that board a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) traveller without an ESTA beginning March 20, following a 60-day grace period.

As a direct result of this new policy, thousands of U.S bound travellers who pose no security risk could be denied entry to their flights.

“Electronic authorization for travel is an important security program and the U.S. travel community supports full compliance," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.

"But it is common sense to couple mandatory compliance with a substantial effort to register all travellers.

“If we don't, we risk $5 billion in losses at a time when our economy can least afford it by senselessly denying entry to travellers that wish us no harm."

An approved ESTA is valid for two years and can be used for multiple visits to the U.S.  

The ESTA scheme is currently free but this may change as the US Senate voted in September to charge “visa waiver” visitors a minimum of $10 (£7) to complete the process.