'ESTA' is short for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA is an online application system for all travellers wishing to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
The ESTA process came into effect as MANDATORY on the 20th January 2010 for all travel to the United States. You can be denied boarding on to any flight or ship that will call in the US if you do not have your ESTA approval. Most major airlines including British Airways are strictly implementing this regulation.
It is the responsibility of the Guest to ensure they have all the correct travel documents in their possession allowing them to enter any countries that they visit during the entire duration of their holiday.
Please note, if you are arriving in the US only to transit to another country, you will still need ESTA approval.
All guests need to complete the ESTA process at least 72 hours prior to travel by visiting the following website address: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov The airlines will be ensuring that the ESTA information has been completed at check in. For cruise check-in, guests need to bring a printed copy of their ESTA receipt and present this at the pier when checking in for a cruise that will call/finish at any US port.