New US entry rules begin Monday January 12th

From Monday, January 12th, Brits must register online for travel to the United States! Last-minute trips outlawed by new US travel red tape The DHS wants to make sure that prospective visitors are scrutinised by a range of US security agencies before they are allowed to board a plane to America. So every traveller hoping to enter without a visa must enrol at least three days in advance through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Esta). The only acceptable method of applying for permission to travel to the US will be online. (link via independent.co.uk) I can see how this is going to cause a lot of confusion and hassle for travellers - especially for people who don't have access to computers since the only acceptable method of applying for permission to travel to the US will be online. Passengers will not be allowed to board U.S.-bound planes unless they have been cleared in advance so I can only imagine the scenes of chaos at airports next week! The good news is that the completed online application is valid for multiple entries for two years. The bad news is that 'If your admission is denied, you have no right to appeal.' U.S Customs and Border Protection - Electronic System for Travel Authorization