Travel to the USA Requirements
Mandatory information can be added to your customer's booking through Manage Booking or via your Technology Partner connected to the Qantas Distribution Platform and other technology systems. For bookings made within 72 hours of departure, this information must be added to the PNR immediately.
On this page
General Information
Secure Flight Information
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Secure flight information enables pre-screening of passengers travelling on flights to, from, within or over the USA.
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The following information must be added to your customer's booking before the ticket can be issued:
- Passenger full name exactly as it appears on the passenger's travel document
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Redress Number^ (if available)
^ A redress number is a unique number that helps the TSA eliminate watch list misidentification. If a passenger has experienced screening difficulties or believes they have been mistakenly matched to a name on the watch list, they may apply to DHS for a redress number.
Advance Passenger Information (APIS) Requirements
The following Advance Passenger Information is required by The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
- Passport number
- Passport expiry date
- Country of passport issue
- Nationality
- Destination address in the USA
- Country of residence for flights arriving into the US
- Alien Registration Number (where applicable)
Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)
ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
It is mandatory for all eligible nationals travelling to the USA under the VWP to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) at the US Customs and Border Protection website prior to departure.
To be eligible, your customer must hold a machine readable e-passport issued by one of the participating countries.
Customers not eligible under the VWP need to apply for a visa.
Qantas will not permit your customer to board a flight to the USA unless US Customs and Border Protection clearance has been received.
Further Information:
- US Customs recommends that ESTA applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel.
- Any accompanied or unaccompanied children, regardless of age, are required to obtain an independent ESTA approval.
- Once granted, the ESTA is valid for two years or expiry date of passport (if less than two years) and can be applied for any time.
- All customers will still be required to complete arrivals information and present to US Customs on arrival into the US.
- Further information can be found on the Qantas website regarding travelling to the US and the Non Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel Final Ruling.
Refusal of Visa and Refunds
ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). ESTA is not a visa. An ESTA 'Travel Not Authorised' response is not considered a 'Visa Refusal' for refund purposes. Customers who are not eligible for the VWP are advised to apply for a visa with the Department of State.
A full refund can only be requested through BSPlink for your customers who have been denied an entry visa.
Your Customer's Information
Formats for Adding Secure Flight Information
Please refer to your Technology Partner for any additional information regarding adding Secure Flight Information via the Qantas Distribution Platform.
Alternatively, please use the example entry formats below to add Secure Flight Information.
The below SSR entry code is used to enter Secure Flight Information:
DOCS Passenger passport/travel document information
Formats:
Formats for Adding Advanced Passenger Information
Please refer to your Technology Partner for any additional information regarding adding Advanced Passenger Information via the Qantas Distribution Platform.
Alternatively, please use the example entry formats below to add Advanced Passenger Information.
The below SSR entry codes are used to enter Secure Flight Information, APIS and redress numbers:DOCS Passenger passport/travel document information
DOCA Passenger residence and/or destination address
DOCO Passenger Visa and other pertinent document information
Formats:
Full Entry Breakdown to Assist in Reading the Example Entries:
^ A redress number is a unique number that helps the TSA eliminate watch list misidentification. If a passenger has experienced screening difficulties or believes they have been mistakenly matched to a name on the watch list, they may apply to DHS for a redress number.