AirEuropa

Passenger Guide / Flights USA
Introduction:

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (or ESTA) regulations came into effect on 1 August 2008, although it became mandatory on 12 January 2009. As of this date, anybody who wishes to travel to the USA must complete an ESTA application online at least 72 hours prior to travel.  
It is the same process that travellers had to follow in the past once they had boarded the plane, when air stewards used to hand out forms to be filled in prior to landing on US soil, which asked for personal information and covered questions relating to personal medical records and reasons for travel.


What to do

Go to the website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ and carefully follow the steps indicated. The information you provide over this site will be encrypted and will remain totally confidential. You will need to keep the reference number of the response.
The information is in the official languages of the 34 countries included on the list drawn up by the United States. These are countries whose citizens do not require a visa to enter the US for stays of less than 90 days.


Does the authorisation expire?

The authorisation is valid for 2 years or until your passport has expired (if it expires in less than 2 years). You can go to the website and complete the application without having a plane or boat ticket. With the reference number generated by the system, once you have decided on the dates and booked your trip, you can return to the site, enter this reference number and complete the missing information. You can update your information as many times as necessary provided that you remember your reference number. The time limit for making changes is 72 hours prior to your flight.   


What happens if I need to travel to the US urgently?

Go to the website, fill in the application and wait for the response. You should receive approval in just a few minutes. Otherwise, you will need to contact your nearest United States consulate and request assistance. The Embassy has said that it will be reserving 30 places a day for emergencies. However, they have also said that under no circumstances will emergency visas be granted and therefore it is recommended that you access the website now.


What should I do if I do not receive ESTA approval?

You should contact the consulate to request a visa.


Do children need ESTA approval?

Yes, all travellers must have authorisation from the US Government.


Do I need a receipt?

No, although the Embassy recommends printing your request and the corresponding approval as the system may cause some confusion.


If I have a current visa, do I need to apply for ESTA?

No. Any citizen with a visa can enter and leave the USA as many times as they wish provided their situation remains unchanged.


Will I have to pay for ESTA?

No, the process is completely free of charge.


Does ESTA guarantee me entry into the USA?

No. It is the border authorities who have the final say.