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E.S.T.A. New Regulations for Visiting the U. S. A
With effect from January 12th 2009, all those (including children) who, hitherto, have visited the USA as part of the Visa Waiver Scheme, will now have to register on-line to utilise the travel authorisation process called E.S.T.A. (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). Under this scheme, you will be required to complete an electronic travel authorisation form on the website prior to boarding a U.S.-bound flight or ship. This form requires answering questions about criminal records, communicable diseases, past history of visa refusal and basic biographical data (name, date of birth, passport information etc.). In the event that an applicant is not approved for travel through E.S.T.A, you will have to apply for a visa using the normal visa process. Applications for E.S.T.A are now being accepted through the website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. If you wish to receive further details or discuss these procedures, please visit the American Embassy website on www.usembassy.org.uk NB E.S.T.A must be approved at least 72-hours before travel date. You are advised to apply as soon as you make your booking. E.S.T.A will be valid for a maximum of two years.
British Airways Free Allowances for checked- baggage & new hand-baggage regulations
The following is a summary of the latest baggage allowances:
UK Domestic routes
One bag
Maximum Dimensions (H+W+L): 158cm (62ins)
Maximum Weight: 23kgs (51lbs)*
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Europe & other international routes
First & Club World - 3 Bags
Club Europe & World Traveller Plus - 2 Bags
World Traveller & Euro Traveller - 1 Bag
Maximum Dimensions per bag (H+W+L): 158cm (62ins)
Maximum Weight per bag: 23kgs (51lbs)*
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Hand Baggage
The UK Department of Transport has given approval to a number of UK airports to remove the one-bag restriction. As a result, BA has re-introduced its two-piece hand baggage allowance for passengers departing from the following airports: Heathrow, Gatwick (only for transferring passengers), London City, Aberdeeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle.
- one standard-sized bag (maximum dimensions 56x45x25cm) including wheels, pockets and handles;
- one laptop-sized bag, handbag or briefcase.
A 23kg maximum bag weight applies and you must be able to lift the bag into the ovderhead lockers in the aircardft unaided.
Health Advice for Overseas Travel
In Style Travel will always be mindful of your safety and security but ultimately it is up you to ensure you have all your jabs and health prophylactic up to date. Whilst your own doctor should be the first point of contact we have found the website www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk to be most useful and helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you feel we can be of further assistance.
EU rules on carriage of liquids
EU Rules on liquids
The EU rules on liquids apply to all air passengers travelling from any EU airport, including UK airports, as well those travelling from Albania, Kosovo, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland regardless of their destination. The changes became effective from November 6, 2006.
Limited quantities of liquids, gels or pastes must be held in individual containers not exceeding 100ml (approximately 3.5 fl. oz).
This may include:
> Shampoo> Creams> Hair gel, hair spay>Suntan lotions>Toothpaste>Liquid or aerosol>
>deodorants>Perfumes>Cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss>Water and other drinks
>soups and syrups>Other items of similar consistency.
The containers must be carried in a separate clear plastic, zip-top or re-sealable bag that does not exceed 20 cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches) or equivalent to one litre capacity.
Items must fit in the bag comfortably and the bag must be completely closed.
At the airport security search, the plastic bag must be removed from the cabin bag and x-ray screened separately.
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