US ESTA Online Form Information
International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are now subject to enhanced security requirements and will be required to pay an administrative fee. All eligible travelers who wish to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization.
Important Passport Requirements for Visa Waiver Program Customers
As of April 1, 2016, all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travellers must have a valid e-Passport, along with a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for travel to the United States. If your traveller has a passport issued on or after October 26, 2006 and it is not an e-Passport, they must obtain a visa or a new e‑Passport.
e‑Passports are easily identified with the following symbol on the passport cover:
If a passport does not have this feature and the traveller is a citizen of a country that joined the Visa Waiver Program prior to 2008, they can still travel without a visa if:
- They have a valid passport with a machine-readable zone issued before October 26, 2005; or
- Their passport includes a digital photograph and was issued between October 26, 2005 and October 25, 2006.
Learn more about the VWP at dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program-requirements
Visa Waiver Program – Changes Relating to Iran, Iraq, Sudan and Syria
Effective immediately, the United States has implemented changes to its Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and, as such, the following two categories of travellers are no longer eligible to travel or be admitted to the United States under the VWP:
Citizens from countries participating in the U.S. VWP who have travelled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria on or after March 1, 2011
- This change does not apply to persons who travelled to one of these countries to perform military service in the armed forces of a program country, or to carry out official duties as full-time employees of the government of a program country.
Citizens from countries participating in the U.S. VWP who are also citizens of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria
- Travellers who fall into this category have also been informed via email that their current Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is no longer valid. And although they are no longer eligible to participate in the VWP, they may still travel to the United States with a valid non-immigrant visa issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- The new law does not ban travel or admission to the United States with a valid visa.
Also, click below to watch a video explaining step by step the process of completing your ESTA Form en essential document for entering U.S.A.
Canada Eletronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Programme Mandatory as From 15 March 2016.
Please note if you are flying to or transitting through Canada you will need to complete the ETA. Please log onto www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta-start.asp
This is part of an admittance procedure already in use by several countries, designed to assist travellers in processing their required documents and determine their eligibility for travel to international destinations.The cost of the ETA online will be approximately $7.
Cuba Tourist Card
You must obtain a Cuba Tourist Card if you are travelling to Cuba on a holiday. This Tourist Card only applies to passengers travelling to Cuba Via Canada, Europe or Mexico. A Tourist Card fee of €35 is payable to the Cuban Consulate and is valid for one entry into Cuba for a maximum of 30 days. If you have any queries contact the Cuban Embassy on (01) 6718300.
If you are travelling to Cuba Via the USA or on a cruise you must obtain a visa from your airline or cruise carrier prior to your arrival in Cuba, where a fee will apply. In line with Cuban Embassy requirements, it is the passengers responsibility to contact the airline in advance to arrange this.
How long does my ESTA application take?
It takes between 3-4 minutes to complete the form online and 99.5% of applications are processed overnight.
How long is my ESTA confirmation valid for?
2 years OR the period remaining on your current passport, whichever is shorter.
What should I do if I am unsure?
Talk to us! If you are nervous about the process after completing it we suggest you print off or make note of your confirmation number and bring it with you to the airport.
What are my baggage restrictions?
The majority of transatlantic carriers permit 2 pieces of baggage which must not exceed 22.5kg per bag with the exception of British Airways who permit 1 bag at a maximum 23kg. This information is a guideline only and may vary, please confirm with your airline prior to departure.
How can I book my Tour America holiday?
You can book right here, right now by using the search engine on the top-left of our website to find a suitable flight, hotel or both. Once you see one you like, simply choose it and enter your credit card details through our secure online booking system. What could be easier?
Are these resort fees payable locally?
At some locations resort fees are additional and these will be added to your room account locally.
Can I book my car hire rental through Tour America?
Yes! Simply click on the ‘Car Hire’ tab. Once there, you will be able to enter all your details and find an appropriate car to hire in your desired location.
Can I book my Travel Insurance through Tour America?
Yes, we offer excellent rates for Annual multi-trip, single trip, family, couple and Individual policies. These can be added to your online booking or click on the ‘Insurance’ tab to book it separately.
Can I purchase extras to enhance my holiday experience?
Click on the ‘Attractions’ tab of our website to choose from with thousands of attractions that can be added to your holiday!
Are my taxes included in my price?
Yes, taxes will automatically be calculated by the airline carrier chosen and added to your booking total.
When will I receive confirmation of my booking?
Your confirmation will be sent to you via the email address you supply within 24 hours of booking.
How do I pay for my Tour America Holiday?
By credit card at the time of booking. All credit card details are processed in a completely secure environment so that your information will remain completely private.
When do I receive my tickets?
You may expect to receive your travel documents 2 weeks prior to your departure. Please ensure you have provided the correct delivery address at the time of booking.
Can I make changes to my Tour America holiday?
Changes may be made but will incur change fees. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more details.
What if I have to cancel my holiday?
Cancellation fees will apply, for more details please refer to our terms and conditions.
What are the Passport/Visa requirements for travelling to the USA?
Under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, passport holders from 27 countries, including Ireland and the UK, may enter the U.S. without a visa for travel or business purposes for a maximum period of 90 days.
All EU passport holders visiting the United States require an individual machine readable passport and a return onward ticket to avail of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Otherwise an advance visa is required from a U.S. Diplomatic or Consular Mission.
Children, including infants, who are endorsed on a parent’s passport must have an individual machine readable passport or else obtain a visa in the parent’s passport.
Some restrictions do apply for further details please check with the U.S Embassy http://dublin.usembassy.gov/
Most passports issued by the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork and the Irish Embassy in London are machine readable, however there are still some hand-written passports and passports endorsing a minor that will be affected.
To check passport, visa and health requirements visit the Iata Travel Centre
www.iatatravelcentre.com
What is Advance Passenger Information?
Passengers traveling to the United States are required to provide Advance Passenger Information. This information is compulsory and is required for the purposes of ensuring aviation safety and security. You can add this information to your booking by logging onto the relevant airline’s website and select ‘Manage Booking’.
The Information required for each passenger is:
- First Name (as on passport)
- Family Name (as on passport)
- Gender
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Passport Number
- Passport Country
- Expiry Date of Passport
- Country of Residence
- Alien Registration or Permanent Resident Card Number if applicable
- Address while in USA if you are not a US passport holder or a landed US resident
Where will I clear US Immigration/US Customs?
Due to congestion, US immigration services in Dublin Airport can only serve a certain number of flights. If you are flying via the UK or via another US city to your final destination you will be required to clear immigration and customs at your first point of entry into the United States.
What is recommended form to carry my currency?
Travellers Cheques or Major Credit Cards are the advised methods of carrying your foreign currency. ATMs are also widely available – check before travel with your bank that your card is acceptable abroad.
What if I have a problem when I am abroad?
You will be supplied with our 24hour emergency assistance number with your travel documents. We also have a representative in both Orlando and New York.
Destination Information
What is the time different between USA and Ireland?
The time difference varies from 5 hours behind on the East coast and 8 hours behind on the West Coast.
What do I require to check in to my hotel?
You will be provided with a pre-paid accommodation voucher which will be required upon check-in.
Where can I collect my car rental?
You may collect your car hire rental at most airports. Some destinations offer a downtown location. Please check with your sales consultant.
What is recommended tipping in resort?
The general guideline for tipping is 15-20%
Can I book excursions?
Yes, you can check out our fantastic offers on our attractions tab https://www.touramerica.ie/top-attractions
Where can I find destination information?
You can check out our detailed destination by following the link below. https://www.touramerica.ie/destinations
What is the age requirement to consume alcohol?
21 Years of age with proof of Age required for all people wishing to purchase/consume alcohol.
