Gulf Coast Retreat

1. All passengers must complete Advance Passenger Information

The US government requires passengers to the United States to provide Advance Passenger Information before travel. This is passport information and an address where you will be staying during your vacation. Most major airlines will collect this information at the time of your booking, or at the airport check-in.

2. All travelers to the US must have the correct travel documents

a) US Citizens - must have a valid US passport.
b) Non-US Citizens who are lawful permanent residents in the US - must have a valid passport or permanent resident card (Green Card).
c) All visitors permitted to travel on the Visa Waiver Programme - must have a valid passport and an approved ESTA (Electronic System Travel Authorisation).
d) All visitors not travelling on the Visa Waiver Programme - must have a valid passport/travel documents and a US visa.

The Visa Waiver Programme and ESTA (Electronic System Travel Authorisation)

The Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) allows the citizens of certain countries to travel to the US without having to obtain a separate visa, although you must have a valid ESTA (Electronic System Travel Authorisation).

Nationalities entitled to use the Visa Waiver Programme:

• Nationals of these countries must hold an e-passport or a Machine Readable Passport (MRP) in order to travel under the VWP.
• Holders of passports which are not machine readable or e-passports must obtain a US visa prior to traveling to the US.

Requirements for traveling on the VWP

• You can travel for business, pleasure or transit only, and
• stay in the US for less than 90 days, and
• hold a confirmed return or onward ticket (or e-ticket receipt), and
• you must obtain travel authorisation by completing the online ESTA form. We suggest you apply at least 72 hours before travel.

What is an ESTA?

ESTA is the 'Electronic System for Travel Authorisation' issued by the US Department of Homeland Security, which allows citizens of certain countries to travel under the Visa Waiver Programme.

Visit the official ESTA website here.

How to apply for an ESTA

• We recommend that you apply for authorisation at the time of booking or at least 72 hours before your flight, to ensure that you are able to travel.
• The application process may take up to 15-20 minutes and authorisation is normally granted immediately, but may take up to 72 hours.
• If you make a late booking you can still apply, but there is a risk that you may not receive immediate confirmation.
• Completing the ESTA form requires no payment. Do not get caught by companies offering to complete this form for a feww. The process of completing the ESTA form is quick & easy.