Don't Wait: Secure Your Florida ESTA Before Booking

Planning your dream Florida holiday is incredibly exciting, but there is one crucial step you must take before booking your flights or villa: applying for your ESTA. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is mandatory for visitors travelling to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. While most applications are approved within hours, authorization is never guaranteed.

To ensure a stress-free countdown to your holiday, keep these essential ESTA tips in mind:

• Apply before you pay: Always secure your ESTA approval before committing to non-refundable flights, hotels, or theme park tickets. If your application is denied, you will need to apply for a formal US visa, which can take several months.
• Use the official government website: Only apply through the official US Customs and Border Protection website. There are many copycat sites that look official but charge hefty administration fees. The official fee is currently $21 per person—if you are being asked for more, you are on the wrong site!
• Check your passport validity: An ESTA is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for up to two years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first). Make sure everyone in your travel party has a valid biometric passport before applying.

By getting this simple step out of the way early, you can book your Orlando adventure with complete peace of mind!