If your company travellers normally travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Programme, they must now apply in advance of travel for a travel authority from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

The system introduced by the US Customs and Border Protection is now mandatory and an ESTA check has been added to our check-in systems. Passengers will now only be able to travel under the Visa Waiver Programme if they have an approved ESTA confirmation.

Once granted, an ESTA travel authority is valid for two years (or less if the passport expires during this period). Before each new trip to the US, your company travellers must update their travel plans and contact details via the ESTA website. If the traveller holds 2 valid passports and intends to use either for US travel on the Visa Waiver Program, they must complete an ESTA for both sets of passport details. If any of the traveller's personal details change on the passport a new ESTA must be completed. If the traveller already holds a valid visa for the US, an ESTA is not required.

Please note if the traveller was born in the USA but does not hold a US passport by law they are considered eligible for a US passport and therefore should be travelling on one. If they do not intend to enter on a US passport they must carry with them a 'loss of nationality' letter, which can be obtained from the US Embassy. Entry will be refused by Immigration to anyone born in the USA who attempts to enter on a non-US passport who is not carrying this letter. Virgin Atlantic is not able to carry such passengers unless they hold this letter.

Those nationalities not eligible to use the Visa Waiver Program will need to process a visa before travel.

It is the traveller’s responsibility to make their application and to ensure that they have a valid travel authority before they travel. We can no longer fly any passenger to the US until either an ESTA travel authority has been granted, or the passenger provides a visa or residency card.

Please ensure your company travellers apply for their ESTA at least 72 hours before departure. In most circumstances a response (ESTA granted or denied) is given within seconds, though for a small minority of passengers the decision may take up to 72 hours. If an ESTA is denied then your company travellers must obtain a visa for their journey.

It is very important that you are accurate when you complete your ESTA application. Please type carefully and before you submit the application, please check the information you have provided for typing errors or mistakes. A mistake on your ESTA application could make it impossible to match your ESTA to your passport and this could result in you being unable to travel

Your company travellers can obtain their ESTA authority free of charge by visiting the U.S. Government website.

Alternatively, for travellers who require a bespoke service, Virgin Atlantic has partnered with CIBT where for a set fee they will determine your eligibility and apply for an ESTA or a formal US visa on your behalf. Visit CIBT now