British Society of Catalunya
Emporda Branch
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Last updated January 24, 2010
Additional InformationTRAVEL TO THE USA
Going to the United States in the near (or far) future? Be aware that if your passport is from one of the countries entitled to visa-free (visa waiver) travel to the U.S you must apply for a travel authorization on-line at least 72 hours before your arrival in the U.S. This has been the law since January 12 2009.
Unfortunately, there are pitfalls. Since you are going to apply for your travel authorization on-line, you will probably use Google or some other search engine to find the online application form for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. If you do this you will find ESTA service offered by websites such as www.ESTA.us. These helpful people will provide you with a “guide” which will assist you in your aim. Their ‘service’ will cost you $49.95 plus $14.00 , for something which you can achieve for $14.00.
Even on the US Goverment's website, this service is no longer free: making the application costs $4.00 and when it is approved your credit card will be charged a further $10.00. So, reject the help these other websites offer, for the $14.00 total is probably NOT included in their fee. Instead, go immediately to the ONLY official ESTA website
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
where you will be offered a choice of languages and the original application form in the language of your choice.