What's all this ESTA malarkey?? (Going to the States)

[moondog]

Am orf there in a month or so-haven't been for a while.
What is it?
What do I need to do??

Thanking you

British travellers planning to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must now provide details online 72 hours prior to travel on an Electronic Travel System known as ESTA. This change comes into effect on the 12th of January.

You will find more information at:

www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-a merica/united-states

esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

So says work

Not only provide details but also have to wait for it to be approved. It is happening relatively quickly and painlessly - doesn't make it any quicker at the other end though!

Thanks you lot.What a bloody mither!

this is the official site
DH did one the other week, it was very straightforward and the authorisation came through immediately.

Thank you.MN eh?
Inblooodydispensable.

It is only valid for 2 years and the onus is on you to remember when you originally replied for it. They don't remind you when the two years permissioning is up.