A travel expert has issued a warning to Brits travelling to the US after receiving new information regarding changes to ESTA application requirements. The news will impact Brits travelling to the US who hold previously approved ESTA applications.
UK citizens require an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) to travel to the US. This is applicable to those travelling for tourism or business for 90 days or less. But Kate Gannon, a travel counsellor, told Bristol Live that Brits that U.S. Customs and Border Protection are now invalidating previously approved ESTA applications that include one outdated feature.
Industry professionals warn that ESTA applications are being rejected if the uploaded photo is solely a picture of the traveller’s passport photo.
The Southwest travel consultant was informed that travellers must ensure their submitted photo is a current and original image, taken during their application, in order to avoid invalidation.
She said: “If you are travelling to the USA this year, you may want to check your ESTA application is still valid.
“We strongly recommend all people traveling on an ESTA to check the status of their ESTA prior to travel and reapply if it has been cancelled for any reason”.
Mrs Gannon added: “Guests who are required to have an ESTA at embarkation of cruises that include travel to the U.S. will be denied boarding if the ESTA is not valid or has been cancelled.”
“This also applies to guests travelling to the U.S. by air or land prior to a cruise as well.”
The Plymouth-based travel expert advised ESTA applicants to include a “sharp, colour self-portrait showing head and shoulders, captured against a plain, pale backdrop, without filters, headwear or eyewear.”
She added that scanned photographs are forbidden.
Failure to provide a proper photo can lead to application delays or rejection. More information about the application can be found on the CBP Website.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
