News Updates

Visa Waiver Program’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is Now Accessible

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) screens individuals prior to their travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).  As of August 1, 2008, U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has been accepting voluntary ESTA applications.

ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States, and CBP encourages VWP travelers to apply for authorization as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the United States.

ESTA approval will become mandatory for VWP travelers 60 days after publication of a notice in the Federal Register.  It is anticipated that the Secretary of Homeland Security will issue that notice in November 2008 for implementation of the mandatory ESTA requirements on January 12, 2009.

After that date, all nationals of VWP countries traveling to the U.S. under the VWP must receive ESTA approval prior to departure.  Travelers who have not received ESTA approval after it becomes mandatory may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing, or be denied admission at a U.S. port of entry.

Travelers may log on to the web-based ESTA and complete an application online, providing the biographical and eligibility information currently required on the paper I-94W form.  Currently no fee is required.

Once an ESTA application has been successfully completed and submitted online, the application will be queried against appropriate law enforcement databases.  Possible responses include: Authorization Approved, Travel Not Authorized, or Authorization Pending.

ESTA approval is valid for up to two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever date comes first; is valid for multiple entries; and is not a guarantee of admissibility to the United States.

Useful links:  ESTA FAQs


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