The visa law you NEED to know before travelling to the US – and the scam sites you must steer clear of to avoid being fleeced

  • A little known visa law could prevent Australian travelers from visiting the US 
  • You will be denied entry to board a flight to the US if a form is not completed  
  • Travellers also warned of scam websites that can fleece unsuspecting tourists

By Brett Lackey For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 22:07 EST, 3 December 2018 | Updated: 22:11 EST, 3 December 2018

Travellers visiting the United States are urged to be aware of a little known visa law that could stop them boarding a plane and the scam websites that are trying to take advantage of them.  

Australia is one of a handful of countries that are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program that allows citizens to enter the US for up to 90 days without needing to apply for a visa, however, there is still an application that must be completed in its place.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, or ESTA, is an online form that, if not completed or filled out incorrectly, could block a person from entering the US.

Travelers who are visiting the United States should be aware of a little known visa law that could derail their plans – and the scam sites they should steer clear of to avoid being fleeced 

Travelers who are visiting the United States should be aware of a little known visa law that could derail their plans – and the scam sites they should steer clear of to avoid being fleeced 

Australia is one of a handful of countries that are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program 

Australia is one of a handful of countries that are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program 

The form asks several questions, some controversial, to determine an applicant's eligibility to enter the United States.

One question asks applicants to give all names they use on social media, presumably for background checks.

Another question asks if travellers have been to a country such as Syria or Iraq in the last seven years and, if so, entry will likely be denied.

The official ESTA website charges a fee of US $14 to process the application of which $4 goes to administration and $10 goes to tourism agency 'Brand USA.'

The official ESTA website charges a fee of US $14 to process the application 

The official ESTA website charges a fee of US $14 to process the application 

Travelers are warned of lookalike ESTA websites that can rip-off users 

Travelers are warned of lookalike ESTA websites that can rip-off users 

Some users on social media, however, have complained they have been fleeced by lookalike ESTA websites than can charge anywhere upwards of $70 to process the form for you.

The ESTA is specifically an authorization to board a US bound plane or ship and travellers need to obtain approval 72 hours prior to boarding. 

Once approved, however, the ESTA lasts for two years – although you will need to renew it if you renew your passport.

Some users on social media, however, have complained they have been fleeced by lookalike ESTA website than can charge anywhere upwards of $70 to process the form for you 

Some users on social media, however, have complained they have been fleeced by lookalike ESTA website than can charge anywhere upwards of $70 to process the form for you 

One question asks if travellers have been to a country such as Syria or Iraq in the last seven years and, if so, entry will likely be denied  

One question asks if travellers have been to a country such as Syria or Iraq in the last seven years and, if so, entry will likely be denied  

Since January 20 2010, airlines have been required to check passengers' ESTA application before boarding and can deny entry to the plane if there is a problem.

According to the Qantas website you will not be permitted to board a plane to the US if you do not hold a relevant visa or ESTA approval.

An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States and visitors will still be subject to assessment from border security.

If you are staying longer than 90 days you will need to apply for a relevant visa. 

 Those going to the United States are urged to apply for an ESTA through the official website 

 Those going to the United States are urged to apply for an ESTA through the official website 

Countries (in light green) that are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program to enter the US 

Countries (in light green) that are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program to enter the US 

 

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The visa law you MUST know before travelling to the US – and the scam sites you must steer clear of

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