Latest news with #KerryManley
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits heading to the US will soon need to pay double for a visa
Brits heading on USA holidays have been warned of new legislation that will see a big change affecting the country's tourism visa costs as experts have issued advice Brits heading on USA holidays should take note of new changes to the country's visa application process. Currently, UK holidaymakers wanting to visit the USA for tourism need to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), underthe Visa Waiver Program. According to the UK Foreign Office: "All Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travellers intending to enter the US by land, sea and air will be required to obtain an approved ESTA prior to application for admission at land border ports of entry." To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. At the time of writing, the ESTA application costs $21 and is generally valid for valid for two years from the date of authorisation, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. However, the US Congress has approved new legislation that includes a price hike for the ESTA from $21 to $40 - so nearly double the price. As a result, the travel experts at Journeyscape have issued a warning for travellers, urging them to apply for the ESTA now if they have US travel plans. They explained: "While many travellers report receiving approval within minutes, ESTA applications can sometimes take up to 72 hours for approval. It's wise to apply at least a week before your trip. However, don't apply more than 90 days before your travel date, as the ESTA is only valid for two years, and applying too early could mean needing to renew sooner than necessary if you frequently visit the US." It's also worth double checking the information you provide - for example, making sure you match your passport information exactly including your full legal name, passport number and expiration date, and ensuring you give an updated email address as that's where your approval notification will be sent. Common mistakes that could see your application rejected include incorrect passport information, failing to disclose previous travel plans, or applying too close to travel dates, as if there's an issue you may not get the document in time, and therefore you'll be unable to travel. They also issued advice for Brits around third party services that could leave you paying even more, explaining: Only use the official ESTA website to avoid additional fees from third-party services. The current application fee is $21, but it was recently announced that it's set to rise to $40, nearly double the current cost. Many third-party sites charge even more, often without offering any added value." Once you've applied, the travel pros recommend checking the status of your application; if it's pending longer than you'd expect, check there isn't any extra information you may need to supply. Get the latest travel news straight to your phone! Kerry Manley, Head of Marketing at North America travel specialist Journeyscape added: "Navigating the ESTA process can indeed be smooth and hassle-free if you take a proactive approach. The key is to apply early, ideally at least a week before your departure, to account for any unexpected delays. Using the official ESTA website is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees or scams. Double-checking your details—such as passport information and travel itinerary—can prevent common mistakes that lead to denials. "Additionally, staying informed about recent rule changes is essential, especially for travellers who may be affected by the latest restrictions, such as those related to travel history in Cuba. "Even with a valid ESTA, remember that entry to the U.S. is ultimately determined at the border by Customs and Border Protection. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose and itinerary. Following these steps will help ensure a seamless travel experience, minimising stress and maximising your trip's success."
Leader Live
11-07-2025
- Leader Live
Warning for UK travellers going to US as ESTA fee to double
The US Congress has passed a new bill that will see the ESTA application fee increase from $21 to $40 (£30). ESTA, which stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is an automated system employed by the United States to ascertain the eligibility of visitors wishing to enter the country under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Citizens from VWP countries intending to visit the US for tourism, business, or transit for no more than 90 days require an ESTA. Kerry Manley, head of marketing at North America travel specialist Journeyscape, advised: "The key is to apply early, ideally at least a week before your departure, to account for any unexpected delays. 'Using the official ESTA website is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees or scams. Double-checking your details—such as passport information and travel itinerary—can prevent common mistakes that lead to denials.' Applications must be submitted online via the official US government website. An approved ESTA remains valid for two years (or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner) and permits multiple entries into the US. The current application fee is $21, but it was recently announced that it's set to rise to $40, nearly double the current cost. Although there is currently no set date for this to happen, it is expected ahead of 2026 travel. While it's not mandatory to have a confirmed flight and accommodation, it's helpful to have some information about your travel itinerary ready. You will be asked where you will be staying in the US, even if just a city name. While many travellers report receiving approval within minutes, ESTA applications can sometimes take up to 72 hours for approval. Recommended reading: Warning issued to Brits with GHIC or EHIC amid expiry dates What is a GHIC, which countries accept it and how do you apply? What to know Summer's hottest facial SPF suncreams and products, ranked Ms Manley continued: 'Additionally, staying informed about recent rule changes is essential, especially for travellers who may be affected by the latest restrictions, such as those related to travel history in Cuba. 'Even with a valid ESTA, remember that entry to the U.S. is ultimately determined at the border by Customs and Border Protection. 'Be prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose and itinerary. Following these steps will help ensure a seamless travel experience, minimizing stress and maximizing your trip's success."
South Wales Guardian
11-07-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Warning for UK travellers going to US as ESTA fee to double
The US Congress has passed a new bill that will see the ESTA application fee increase from $21 to $40 (£30). ESTA, which stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is an automated system employed by the United States to ascertain the eligibility of visitors wishing to enter the country under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Citizens from VWP countries intending to visit the US for tourism, business, or transit for no more than 90 days require an ESTA. Kerry Manley, head of marketing at North America travel specialist Journeyscape, advised: "The key is to apply early, ideally at least a week before your departure, to account for any unexpected delays. 'Using the official ESTA website is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees or scams. Double-checking your details—such as passport information and travel itinerary—can prevent common mistakes that lead to denials.' Applications must be submitted online via the official US government website. An approved ESTA remains valid for two years (or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner) and permits multiple entries into the US. The current application fee is $21, but it was recently announced that it's set to rise to $40, nearly double the current cost. Although there is currently no set date for this to happen, it is expected ahead of 2026 travel. While it's not mandatory to have a confirmed flight and accommodation, it's helpful to have some information about your travel itinerary ready. You will be asked where you will be staying in the US, even if just a city name. While many travellers report receiving approval within minutes, ESTA applications can sometimes take up to 72 hours for approval. Recommended reading: Warning issued to Brits with GHIC or EHIC amid expiry dates What is a GHIC, which countries accept it and how do you apply? What to know Summer's hottest facial SPF suncreams and products, ranked Ms Manley continued: 'Additionally, staying informed about recent rule changes is essential, especially for travellers who may be affected by the latest restrictions, such as those related to travel history in Cuba. 'Even with a valid ESTA, remember that entry to the U.S. is ultimately determined at the border by Customs and Border Protection. 'Be prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose and itinerary. Following these steps will help ensure a seamless travel experience, minimizing stress and maximizing your trip's success."
The Herald Scotland
11-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Warning for UK travellers going to US as ESTA fee to double
ESTA, which stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is an automated system employed by the United States to ascertain the eligibility of visitors wishing to enter the country under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Citizens from VWP countries intending to visit the US for tourism, business, or transit for no more than 90 days require an ESTA. Kerry Manley, head of marketing at North America travel specialist Journeyscape, advised: "The key is to apply early, ideally at least a week before your departure, to account for any unexpected delays. 'Using the official ESTA website is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees or scams. Double-checking your details—such as passport information and travel itinerary—can prevent common mistakes that lead to denials.' How to apply for an ESTA Applications must be submitted online via the official US government website. An approved ESTA remains valid for two years (or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner) and permits multiple entries into the US. The current application fee is $21, but it was recently announced that it's set to rise to $40, nearly double the current cost. Although there is currently no set date for this to happen, it is expected ahead of 2026 travel. UK Passport Renewal Guide While it's not mandatory to have a confirmed flight and accommodation, it's helpful to have some information about your travel itinerary ready. You will be asked where you will be staying in the US, even if just a city name. While many travellers report receiving approval within minutes, ESTA applications can sometimes take up to 72 hours for approval. Recommended reading: Ms Manley continued: 'Additionally, staying informed about recent rule changes is essential, especially for travellers who may be affected by the latest restrictions, such as those related to travel history in Cuba. 'Even with a valid ESTA, remember that entry to the U.S. is ultimately determined at the border by Customs and Border Protection. 'Be prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose and itinerary. Following these steps will help ensure a seamless travel experience, minimizing stress and maximizing your trip's success."
Glasgow Times
11-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Warning for UK travellers going to US as ESTA fee to double
The US Congress has passed a new bill that will see the ESTA application fee increase from $21 to $40 (£30). ESTA, which stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is an automated system employed by the United States to ascertain the eligibility of visitors wishing to enter the country under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Citizens from VWP countries intending to visit the US for tourism, business, or transit for no more than 90 days require an ESTA. Kerry Manley, head of marketing at North America travel specialist Journeyscape, advised: "The key is to apply early, ideally at least a week before your departure, to account for any unexpected delays. 'Using the official ESTA website is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees or scams. Double-checking your details—such as passport information and travel itinerary—can prevent common mistakes that lead to denials.' How to apply for an ESTA Applications must be submitted online via the official US government website. An approved ESTA remains valid for two years (or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner) and permits multiple entries into the US. The current application fee is $21, but it was recently announced that it's set to rise to $40, nearly double the current cost. Although there is currently no set date for this to happen, it is expected ahead of 2026 travel. UK Passport Renewal Guide While it's not mandatory to have a confirmed flight and accommodation, it's helpful to have some information about your travel itinerary ready. You will be asked where you will be staying in the US, even if just a city name. While many travellers report receiving approval within minutes, ESTA applications can sometimes take up to 72 hours for approval. Recommended reading: Ms Manley continued: 'Additionally, staying informed about recent rule changes is essential, especially for travellers who may be affected by the latest restrictions, such as those related to travel history in Cuba. 'Even with a valid ESTA, remember that entry to the U.S. is ultimately determined at the border by Customs and Border Protection. 'Be prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose and itinerary. Following these steps will help ensure a seamless travel experience, minimizing stress and maximizing your trip's success."
