FAQ and Help - Visas and Passports

Visas and Passports

Do I need a current passport?

If you are traveling to the United States you are required to have a valid British passport and your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. You will not need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

For more information visit the Foreign and Commonwealth office: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements

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Do I need to apply for a Visa Waiver or ESTA?

All UK citizens traveling to the United States by air or sea under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to travel.

Failure to obtain ESTA approval may result in denied boarding, processing delays, or refusal of entry at a U.S. port of entry.

We strongly recommend applying for your ESTA as soon as possible, ensuring that:

- Your passport will be valid for the duration of your trip
- Your departure date is within 2 years of your ESTA approval

While applications must be submitted no less than 72 hours before travel, we encourage early application to avoid last-minute issues or delays.

Fees

- Current fee: $40 USD per person

Important Notes

- If you are staying at a villa property, you should list the following address on your ESTA form: Ocean Holidays Centre, 8390 Champions Gate Blvd (Suite 235), Champions Gate, FL 33896, USA
- ESTA applications can be completed online via the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website:
- https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

We are unable to advise or guarantee whether a customer will be approved for an ESTA. The outcome is entirely at the discretion of U.S. authorities.

Please note that not all UK citizens are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. This includes (but is not limited to):

- Individuals with criminal convictions
- Travelers who have visited Cuba on or after 12th January 2021

In these cases, you will be required to apply for a full U.S. visa, which:

- Involves additional fees
- May take several weeks or months (appointments can take up to
- 6 months to obtain)
- Is not a guarantee of entry to the United States

Ocean Holidays cannot advise on ESTA approvals, visa eligibility, or embassy appointment timelines, and accepts no liability for passengers denied entry into the United States.

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Foreign Travel Advice

Make sure you visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find the latest advice for the country you're visiting. This includes the latest entry requirements such as rules around passport validity and visas, advice on health such as any recommended travel vaccinations, and guidance on safety and security.

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What happens if I don’t hold a UK passport?

If you are not a UK citizen or do not hold a UK passport, your entry requirements for the United States may be different.

Eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program depends on your nationality and passport type. The program allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for stays of up to 90 days without obtaining a visa, provided they have an approved ESTA before travel.

If your passport is issued by a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program, you may be able to apply for an ESTA. You can check the full list of eligible countries here:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/visa-waiver-program

If your nationality is not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, or if you are unable to obtain ESTA approval, you will need to apply for a full U.S. visa through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate before travelling. Visa information and application guidance can be found here:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit.html

It is the responsibility of all travellers to ensure they hold the correct passport, visa, and travel authorisation required for entry into the United States. Ocean Holidays cannot advise on visa eligibility, ESTA approvals, or embassy appointment timelines and accepts no liability for passengers denied entry due to incorrect or incomplete travel documentation.

Ocean Holidays cannot advise on ESTA approvals, visa eligibility, or embassy appointment timelines, and accepts no liability for passengers denied entry into the United States.

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