Regulations for entering the USA

The countries listed below are all members of the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). Nationals from these countries may enter the USA without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days.

All travellers who are covered by the Visa Waiver Program must have a biometric passport (with an e-chip) when they travel.

Exceptions: The following travellers, among others, are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program:

• if they have visited Cuba on or after 12 January 2021;
• if they have visited North Korea, Iran or Syria on or after 1 March 2011; or
• if they are a dual national of one of these countries.

For visa-free entry into the USA, it is essential that you present the ESTA electronic travel authorisation. Without this document you will be refused entry. Apply for the travel authorisation online no less than 72 hours before departure. It is valid for a two-year period for multiple entries, providing your passport does not expire during this period. You can update your details and travel destinations on the ESTA website at any time. Changes are subject to a USD 21 charge per entry.

Exceptions:ESTA travel authorisations that have already been issued lose their validity;

• if you have visited Cuba on or after 12 January 2021;
• if you have visited North Korea, Iran or Syria on or after 1 March 2011; or
• if you are a dual national of one of these countries.

Airlines are obliged to transmit the details of all passengers to the US authorities on the day of departure. This is done using the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS). The personal data that are collected includes the passengers’ name, passport number, date of birth, etc., and their contact details in the USA. Providing complete and correct information will save you any inconvenience at your destination airport. The easiest thing to do is to transmit your data in advance online. If that is not possible, this will be recorded at the check-in machine or when you check in at the desk.

Anyone entering the USA is obliged to provide their details to the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This information is then compared with the watch lists. These details consist of the full name, date of birth and gender (legal basis: 49 U.S.C., section 114 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 and 49 C.F.R, parts 1540 and 1560). People who do not provide this information may be refused carriage or admission to the gate. Travellers with a redress number must provide it.

The TSA may compare the data you provide with data from penal facilities, news agencies and other authorities (in accordance with the published system of records notices).

You will find full information on the TSA privacy policy, the system of records notices and the data privacy compatibility assessments at ​www.tsa.gov.