Agents are being offered a commissionable service by a firm that will complete the new online Esta visa process for customers travelling to the US.
The Travel Visa Company claimed many consumers did not have internet access and were concerned about giving out their credit card details online.
The firm has already signed up to be a preferred partner for Abta, Thomas Cook and consortia TTA Worldchoice and Global Travel Group.
The Travel Visa Company will take clients’ information and the new $14 Esta payment, which came into force on September 8.
It will charge a £10 service fee, covering future Esta renewals, and pay agents commission levels based on individual deals.
Business development manager Sam Parker said: “A lot of elderly people don’t have access to the internet and can find some questions daunting.
“We feel the requirement is unfair to those people so we’re offering a service where we can apply on their behalf. We are expecting good take-up from agents, especially those who don’t have full internet access, such as Thomas Cook.”
The service also removes liability from agents who make the application on behalf of customers and who could be held responsible if a mistake is made and they are refused boarding.
ITT director Bill Maxwell, who is recommending the service to members, said: “This takes away the liability from the agent should they make an error.”
An Abta spokesman said: “If an agent helped a client complete an incorrect visa application, this would be potential negligence.”