A valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required to travel to the United States.
Guests arriving at check in without a valid ESTA or US Visa may be denied boarding.
An ESTA authorization is generally valid for two years. This means that as long as you have received an ESTA authorization to travel, you do not have to re-apply for two years. You may update your travel information; however this information is optional and is not required. You must ensure you take a printed copy of the document with you each time you travel as it contains your ESTA number, which may be needed for reference purposes.
If you are travelling to the US on board one of our ships and you are not staying ashore, you are classed as 'in transit' and can select this during the application process. Alternatively you can select 'Unknown' and put the name of the ship as the 'Contact'. If you are staying in a hotel in the US either pre or post cruise - you should enter the hotel details.
If you are a non-British citizen passport holder, be sure to check entry requirements for the United States with the United States Embassy. For British Subject passport holders, you must obtain a full US visa.
You can apply for an ESTA directly (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/) . Please note that there is currently a charge of $21 per person for an ESTA, however this amount is subject to change at any time. You can also arrange an ESTA through CIBT Visa Services if you call 0207 620 6998.
Please note that additional charges will apply - please contact CIBT Visa Services directly for further information.
Please also note that an ESTA must be obtained more than 72 hours before departure.
In addition there is a requirement to be in possession of a biometric passport (or E-Passport) when travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP).