US holidays and ESTA approval

It can seem like there's an ever growing checklist to work to when getting ready to go on holiday but it's vital that you get the essentials sorted as soon as possible so that you can get down to the important business of enjoying a relaxing break. Travel insurance is a prime example; making sure you have the appropriate cover should be at the top of your priority list, so, for instance, if you have a pre-existing medical condition consider taking out your policy through a specialist travel medical insurance provider.

If you're heading to the USA for your trip, however, then there's another piece of preparation that you must take into account. If you're going to be in the States for 90 days or less then you'll need to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which is an online system that will give you permission to fly to the US without a visa.

If you're travelling with children then be aware that they'll need ESTA approval too - and each member of the party you're travelling with will also need ESTA approval even if you're only landing in the US to switch planes before flying off to a different country.

Thankfully, applying for ESTA online is a very quick and simple process. Even better, it's completely free - so don't be taken in by agencies that charge a fee for processing your ESTA application. Go directly to the ESTA site and follow the simple instructions; all you'll need to do is enter your passport information and answer some simple questions. Approval is instant so you won't be left waiting around wondering whether or not your application has been successful.

That's not to say you should wait until the last minute to sort out your ESTA approval, though - by applying early you leave yourself plenty of time to research your options should your application be turned down. It's always best to process your application as soon as you can after you make your travel plans. You must gain ESTA approval at least 72 hours before departure -if you don't have it in place by then, you won't be allowed on to your flight.

Be aware that you won't receive email confirmation of your ESTA approval, so don't frantically check your inbox worrying that your application hasn't been completed. As long as you follow the on-screen instructions through to completion you'll be clearly told whether your application has been successful. It's an idea to make a note of your application number in case you need to make an adjustment to your ESTA information at a later date, but there's no need to take a print out of your approval to the airport with you as your information will automatically be sent to the airline you're travelling with.
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