The US Consulate reminded residents to check if they are required to have an electronic travel authorisation.

People from countries involved in the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) must obtain the authorisation before boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States.

However, the requirement does not affect most Bermudians, US citizens returning from overseas, or citizens of VWP countries travelling on a valid US visa.

VWP travellers without an approved ESTA may not be allowed to board a US-bound plane.

ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, and once approved, generally will be valid for up to two years or until the applicant's passport expires, whichever comes first.

Authorisations are valid for multiple entries into the US.

VWP travellers are required to log onto the ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ and complete an online application.