You don't need a visa, but you do need ESTA

Want to visit the USA? Planning to stay less than 90 days? You don't need a visa, then, but you do need ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which means you need the internet. As of 12 January this year, you have to go online at least 72 hours before that trans-Atlantic flight takes off. The good thing, though, is that you'll never again have to worry again about those I-94W paper forms. 

By the way, you'll need a machine-readable passport that contains biometric information. This applies to children as well. Here's what you must do:

1. Go to the ESTA website.
2. Fill out the form.
3. Make a note of your application number
4. Wait for the Department of Homeland Security to reply.

Once the application has been approved, it's valid for two years. This is why Spotlight Online recommends applying online even if you are not sure about going to the US this year. Once your ESTA is approved, you can travel back and forth to the US freely for two years.

With as many as 20,000 global applications being processed every day, US embassies and consulates are urging people to use the online service. "Passengers who have not completed an ESTA may experience delays in boarding and may be denied entry to the country," Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Amy Kudwa told the Irish Times.