New regulations for visa-free entry to the USA
From 12 January 2009 it will be mandatory to register online for travel to the USA: if you want to enter the USA without a visa under the "Visa Waiver Program", you must register online through the "Electronic System for Travel Authorization" - known as "ESTA" for short. You should register at least 72 hours before departure in order to receive permission from the authorities in good time. Lufthansa recommends that you take a print out of this permission with you on your journey.
You will find detailed information about ESTA here.
ESTA Registration
ESTA registration is already available to you free of charge. The details required correspond to those on Form I-94W, which you will still need to complete on board the aircraft.
To ESTA registration
Entering the additional APIS data for the USA via the Internet
For flights to the USA, airlines are legally obliged to transmit passenger data to the US authorities via the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). Besides the passport data the following information is required:
- Country of Residence
- Full first address during the stay in the USA:
- Number
- Street
- City
- State
- Zip code
Lufthansa passengers can now enter their additional APIS data here directly after making an online booking. Travellers can also supplement offline bookings with the required information. Lufthansa is thus improving the check-in process and simplifying customers' preparations for flights to the USA.
If passengers do not have all the necessary information at the time of booking, the missing parts can be added later. By entering their name and Filekey (booking number) in the "Info & Service" section under "Travel preparations", or in the password-protected section under "My account", they can access their booking again and complete their data entries.
Collecting the additional APIS data via the Internet is basically possible for all Lufthansa flights to the USA. This regulation does not apply to passengers who have a permanent residence permit for the USA or to transit travellers.
Enter additional APIS data online
Form for entry to the USA
Travellers can, of course, also use our paper form, which is available here for downloading. To avoid prolonging check-in and boarding times and ensure punctual departure, please be sure to have the required data ready in writing for presenting when you check in.
Download the APIS form
