Brits forced to miss their US flights after ESTA visa website goes down
BRITISH passengers were forced to miss their flights after the US visa website went down during the weekend.
Travellers were unable to get their ESTA before travel, meaning they had to cancel their trips.
Tourists visiting the US from the UK need to buy an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is a travel permit allowing entry for up to 90 days without a permanent visa.
However, the website went down on Saturday due to "upgrade" works and maintenance.
The website stated: "Performing routine maintenance. Please check back later. Electronic System for Travel Authorization is currently down. We are sorry for the inconvenience."
Problems were still be reported on Sunday and Monday.
This meant that travellers were unable to apply for their permit - leaving many unable to fly.
When checking in for flights to the US, it will often ask for proof of an ESTA, and without it will refuse boarding.
One woman was forced to cancel a week-long holiday to Los Angeles due to the problem.
Jess Lipson told The Times that she had to "pay £150 to change the flight to February" as well as cancel her hotels.
She said the situation was "upsetting" after taking time off work and missing out on seeing her friends.
Others were forced to miss their flights as well.
Twitter user Will Hall asked: "Any idea when #ESTA applications will be back to normal after the failed website upgrade over the weekend?
"We've already missed a flight because of this. (hint: don't do software upgrades on a Friday)."
The website is now back up and running.
However, the US embassy advises tourists to apply for an ESTA at least 72 days before travelling.
This new rule came in last year, as previous applications were almost instantly approved.
A statement from US Customers and Border Protection (CBP) previously warned: "Citizens of participating Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries travelling to the United States are strongly encouraged to apply for an ESTA at the time of booking their trip and no later than 72 hours prior to departure.
"Applicants who apply on the same day of their flight’s departure risk not having an approved ESTA prior to their scheduled departure."
ESTAs were introduced in 2007 and currently cost $14 (£11).
All British travellers need an ESTA when travelling to the US, even if you're not leaving the airport.
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