Questionnaire for USA travel?

[rainbow2]

I will be travelling to the US in Ocober but have heard there is now a new form or questionnaire that you have to complete before you go. What is this and does it replace the visa waiver form that you usually have to complete?

[auntiebertie]

No, it does not replace the visa waiver form, You complete it (usually) via a link on your carriers website - there is one on BA by your booking reference. Needs to be completed before you travel, it is just passport # and DoB etc.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

at the moment it is only if you want to complete the form,it will not be compulsery until next year.

[dzug]

I think it will replace the form come January but for the moment it's additional, and as Norman says, not compulsory.

In some circumstances you can't use it - eg if your passport was renewed early and is thus longer than 10 years it won't accept the dates

[kira000]

It is called ESTA, and it is basically a new system for applying for the visa waiver- the same form that you fill out on the plane, only you do it online in advance (at least 72 hours before travel i believe) instead.

At the moment it is voluntary- you can do the paper form if you prefer, but eventually the paper forms will be stopped( some time in the new year).
So its your call. There is a link on the BA website.