ESTA - the online form for the USA
I'm going to Los Angeles next week. Is there some sort of online registration I need before I go?
Andrew, Heathrow
Simon Calder
Oh, don't get me started Andrew! Americans clearly have a very interesting view of tourists nowadays. You need to ask America very nicely if they will be so kind as to let you board a plane there, at least three days before you go.
This is ESTA - the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, which came into effect last month. And you will not be allowed to even board a plane to the States unless you have filled in an online form 72 hours before you are due to travel. Tell them who you are, your personal data, where you're going and where you're staying.
The website you need is: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/
But you also still have to fill in that green form on the plane. You'll get in, don't worry about that, but it's an added nuisance.
Do not pay more than $14 per person for it. Some online companies try to make you pay extra for it.