Travel to the USA

Following a number of questions over the last few months, we would like to clarify the current requirements for travel to the USA.

• Before your ticket can be issued we must provide the minimum SFPD (Secure Flight Passenger Data) to the airline.  This consists of your full passport name and date of birth.  This is a mandatory airline requirement and the reservation system works in such a way that it will block the issue of any booking that does not contain this information.  We endeavour to store this in your traveller profile (held completely confidentially) where possible.
  
  
• All UK passport holders travelling to the USA must be in possession of a valid ESTA.  This is the electronic equivalent of the green visa waiver card that used to be completed on the aircraft prior to landing.  The ESTA now costs US$14 and can be applied for at
  

  https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

  
  
• Travellers must apply for the ESTA themselves as the form requires you to answer a number of personal questions.  It allows unlimited travel for a two year period.  If your passport expires before the ESTA, you must apply for a new one before travelling again.
  
  
• All airlines requireful APIS (Advance Passenger Information System) to be entered into the booking at least 72 hours before travel commences.  This consists of -
  
• Full name (added before ticket issue)
• Date of birth (added before ticket issue)
• Passport number
• Nationality and country of passport issuance
• Expiry date
• Address of your first night stay in the US
  
  
• Again we endeavour to store this information in your traveller profile.  However, if you prefer not to give us your details, you can enter it yourself on the airlines own website or via www.apis.uk.amadeus.com
  
  
• If you have any questions about anything we have outlined here, please contact your Gem Travel representative.