BUSINESS people preparing to go to America for world’s most important oil and gas show next month have been warned to be aware of official-looking websites seeking to part them from their cash unnecessarily.
People arriving in the US without a visa now need an electronic system for travel authorisation (Esta).
Estas are available free online via
https://esta.cbp.dhs
. gov/esta, however, some other websites have sprung up charging people £30 or more for the privilege.
Ian Massie, head of group and leisure travel at Munro’s Travel Group, of Aberdeen, said: “Some of these other sites look authentic.
“You may get your Esta through these sites, but you are paying for something you don’t need to.
“Please remember that you need to get your Esta at least 72 hours before travelling otherwise you will have a major problem getting into the US.”
Munro’s has reported strong interest from people wishing to join its trip to the annual Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, from May 4-7.
More than 370 people are expected to be on the OTC visit organised by Munro’s and the Press and Journal.
The travel group has already filled its allocation of 350 rooms at the delegation’s HQ hotel – the Hilton Houston Post Oak – and there is now a waiting list.
Munro’s continues to take last-minute bookings for OTC, with places on flights and rooms in other hotels still available.
The Munro’s hotline is 01224 261865.