Avoid online US 'visa waiver' scams
28 October 2009
The National Consumer Agency today warned consumers travelling to the US to beware of a number of websites attempting to charge people money for making an application, under the Visa Waiver Program, on their behalf.
Since the beginning of 2009, Irish citizens flying to the United States for temporary business or pleasure under the Visa Waiver Program are required by law to obtain a travel authorisation at least three days before they travel.
This travel authorisation is obtained through a FREE online registration system known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
The ESTA service is operated 100% free of charge by the US Government, and the NCA is warning consumers that they do not need to pay for a third party to process this application on their behalf.
Ann Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of the NCA, said: "Traditionally, there is an increase in the number of Irish people travelling to the US in the months leading up to Christmas and the NCA is urging consumers to be vigilant when preparing to fly by sticking to the US government's free online service when registering for ESTA.
"The Internet is full of potential rip-offs and this is a prime example of sharp practice, where something you can avail of yourself for free is being sold online.
"We would particularly warn consumers that there is no guarantee that registration through one of these unofficial channels will be approved, and some of the sites can charge up to €45 or $50 for an application that is available completely free," she said.
How to apply for free
Applying for ESTA is very straightforward, and involves answering some simple questions online.
Applications may be submitted at any time up to 72 hours before you are due to fly to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
The online tool to register is easy to use and free of charge on the official ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov