Breaking News

New travel authorization system ESTA has been announced

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The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued an interim final rule announcing the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization ESTA. Starting January 12, 2009, all nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) who temporarily travel to the US for private or business purposes must have ESTA registration prior to boarding a ship or plane to the US. The rule does not apply to US citizens traveling abroad.

To apply for an entry permit into the US under the Visa Waiver Program, travelers have to log in to the web-based ESTA system and submit an application with personal and other data, that will be used to determine their eligibility for visa-free travel. The information requested on the application form is the same currently requested on form I-94.

Find detailed information here.

New baggage allowance regulations

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All big US airlines, except American Airlines, have made some changes to their baggage policies effective as of May 5, 2008: for domestic flights, economy passengers may from now on only check in one piece of free luggage. For a second piece of luggage, the airlines will charge an extra $25. The same applies to flights from the US to Canada, Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands. Exempt from this rule are passengers with a frequent flyer status or with a changeable ticket for a higher class. The rule will also not apply to travelers who have booked their ticket prior to the announcement of the new regulations. Passengers on transatlantic flights have to know: they may check in to pieces of free luggage on a direct connecting flight in North America, after a stopover, however, they may check in only one free piece.

The following airlines offer some special arrangements:

- Northwest: passengers on transatlantic flights who have a connecting flight within eight hours may check in two pieces of free luggage.

- United: Two pieces of free luggage are allowed, independent of a stopover, if the flight inside North America is part of an international ticket.