24 hours to go
Tuesday September 7, 2010 - Email this article to a friend

From September 8th a US visa waiver will cost $14, but until then it is free. If you are skiing there next winter we advice you to get a free one while you still can. We just have.

You have a day and to go.

A family of four will save $56, that's about £36.

If you are planning or even thinking about going on a skiing or snowboarding holiday in the United States this winter then you really should get your free entry application completed. It will last for two years.

At the very least it will save you the money for a few beers once you get there and, lets face it, you wouldn't put a £10 note in the bin.

It takes about 10 minutes to fill out the form online, with details from your passport, and then you are automatically issued with it.

Here at PlanetSKI we completed the process at the weekend. Although it is boring doing it, we reckon it is well worth it if you are even thinking about going to the USA in the next couple of years.

You don't need to send off your passport.

It really is that simple.

The Association of British Travel Agents, ABTA, is also advising people planning trips to the USA within the next two years to apply online for their ESTA before the charges come into force.

All passengers travelling under the Visa Waiver Program must have a valid ESTA to enter the USA.

We have already reported on the additional charge here at PlanetSKI.

The US Government says it has decided on the charge to fund promotion of the USA.

With 4m British people going to the USA each year it will raise $56m from the UK alone.

The charges have come in for some criticism from ABTA and others.

Meanwhile at PlanetSKI we gave a wry smile as we thought that the US has decided to promote tourism, and try to get extra visitors to its country, by charging them more.

An ESTA is valid for two years.

To apply for an ESTA see here.

For the spirit of the mountains