11/19/2008
New electronic system for travel authorization to the United States
Effective January 12, 2009, Visa Waiver Program
(VWP) travelers will be required to obtain a travel
authorization via the Electronic System for Travel
Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a carrier to
travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP.
ESTA is now accessible online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov for citizens and eligible nationals of VWP countries.
This modern system enhances the security of the VWP and will allow the U.S. government to continue and expand the VWP, which allows visitors from participating countries to travel to the U.S. for business or pleasure for 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa.
What is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization? The Electronic System for Travel Authorization is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. It requires the same information as the paper I-94W form that VWP travelers currently fill out en route to the U.S.
For further information, please click following links:
VWP Expansion - frequently asked questions
ESTA Factsheet
