British citizens visiting the US will no longer be able to secure their Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (Esta) instantly, following rule changes by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Both business travellers and tourists heading to the US from the UK are required to apply for an Esta using an automated system that gauges the eligibility of potential visitors under the Visa Waiver Program.
Introduced in 2007, the Esta currently costs $14 (£11) and allows visitors to stay in the US for up to 90 days, for work or pleasure, over a two-year period.
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Applications for the permits “have traditionally been approved online in real time, resulting in many travellers frantically filling out Esta forms on their phones at airport check-in desks”, says The Daily Telegraph.
However, the DHS will no longer allow instant Esta approvals, meaning tourists will now need to apply for their Esta at least 72 hours before travel.
The US Customs and Border Protection agency has warned that “arriving at the airport without a previously approved Esta will likely result in being denied boarding”.
As well as Brits, the new rules will apply to citizens from the 37 other countries and territories covered by the Visa Waiver Program, including France, Germany, New Zealand and Australia.
The DHS also makes it clear that a valid Esta does not guarantee admission to the US, warning: “Upon arrival in the United States, you will be inspected by a Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry who may determine that you are inadmissible.”
There will be further travel headaches nearer to home as a result of Brexit, after which “British travellers to Europe will need to apply for an Esta-type permit, known as Etias, from 2021”, adds The Independent.
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