For those travelling to the US next year...

[ehusmann]

As you probably know, if you travel to the US you will need to online apply for a visa waiver in the ESTA program/system. This is not a big thing, but if you do not do it, you will most likely be denied access to the US. Most applications are granted without much problem and are valid for two years.

Up till now these applications have been free of charge, but from 8 September this year you will have to pay 14 USD to apply. Validity will remain the same.

So, if you are even only remotely thinking about going to the US in the coming 24 months, it is a smart thing to apply now already. Just make sure your passport is not renewed in the meantime, because in that case you will have to reapply. If you do apply, you will have a free visa waiver for the next two years.

ESTA can be found here.

Erwin

[jfaltena]

So that's how the US administration finds ways to cut their own expense-debts... over the backs of foreign visitors ? Nice piggy bank...

Grtz, John

[Hans]

just like most other countries who still work with visa......

[Piet Luijken]

Furthermore all your credit cards payments will be tracked afterwards.
Source: european parliament.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[ehusmann]

To be fair, most countries that still require a visa charge way more than 14 dollars AND you will need a new one every time you enter. The US version is valid for 2 years and you do not need to get multiple visa if you visit multiple times in that period.

Furthermore all your credit cards payments will be tracked afterwards.

Well, the data will be stored in a database is more likely.... whether anyone will ever notice, let alone track is a completely different thing.

Erwin

[Hurricane]

Yesterday a news-flash came by with a warning of the ESTA for fake-pretending-to-be-official website that charge more then the normal $14,-.

So when applying for visa waiver programme make shure you have the official website.

H.

[Gerard]

To be fair, most countries that still require a visa charge way more than 14 dollars

Yes, these countries are fair and don't call it a visa-WAIVER.

[Oscar01]

Didn't see this topic till now. I applied my etsa on the 6th of September, so was lucky

This one stays valid for 2 years? So if I go in January next year, I don't have to apply for a new one?

Thanks!
Oscar

[ehusmann]

Yep! You can always check in the ESTA system if your application is still valid. But generally it is valid for two years, more info on the FAQ page.

Erwin

[Oscar01]

Thanks!

Oscar