SINGAPORE: From January 12, Singaporeans heading to the United States must obtain travel authorisation at least three days ahead of their trip.

Otherwise, they may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing, or be refused admission at a US port of entry.

The US embassy in Singapore said travellers can apply through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) at the Department of Homeland Security's ESTA website.

There is no fee for ESTA authorisation.

Once approved, ESTA applications are valid for multiple entries into the US for up to two years, or until the traveller's passport expires - whichever comes first.

Additional information about ESTA can be found at www.cbp.gov/esta.

More information about visa application procedures is available at http://singapore.usembassy.gov.

Singapore is one of 35 countries eligible under the US Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens from eligible countries to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa.


- CNA/yb