USA Entry Regulations

For a visa-free entry into the USA, you must show your ESTA electronic travel permit. Without this document, you will be denied entry. Apply for a travel permit online up to 72 hours before departure at the latest. It is valid for two years and several entries, provided your passport does not expire within this period. Update your details and travel destinations at any time on the ESTA website. These changes are subject to a charge of $21 per entry.

Exceptions: Already issued ESTA travel permits lose their validity if you:

• Were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021
• Were in North Korea, Iran or Syria on or after 1 March 2011
• Hold dual citizenship of one of these countries.

Airlines are obliged to transfer the data of all passengers to the US authorities on the day of departure. This takes place via the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). Personal details, including your name, passport number, date of birth, contact details, etc, are collected. Correct and complete information saves you any inconvenience at your destination airport. The easiest way to transfer your data is online in advance. If this is not possible, it will be collected at the check-in machine or while checking in at the counter.

Anyone travelling to the USA is obliged to give their details to the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to be compared with watch lists. This includes 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 of 49 C.F.R part 1540 and 1560). Those who do not provide these details can be denied transport or access to the gate. Travelers with a redress number must provide this.

The TSA may match the details you have provided with law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, or other authorities (under its published system of records).

All information about the TSA’s data protection guidelines, its records system and privacy impact assessment can be found at ​www.tsa.govThe link will be opened in a new browser tab.