The United States Department of Homeland Security will launch an Electronic System for Travel Authorization, also called ESTA. This is a new online system, designed to determine the eligibility of travelers coming in to the United States.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization will apply to all citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program, or VWP. This new system will impact citizens of 34 countries that travel to the United States for business or leisure trips in which their stay will be 90 days or less.
Some of the affected countries will be Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Currently these travelers complete form I-94W upon arrival in the United States. Under ESTA these travelers will be required to enter information online and receive approval prior to their trip. This information will include basic biographical, personal, and eligibility information.
The website for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization was available for voluntary use in August of 2008. On January 12, 2009 this system will become mandatory. After this date the impacted travelers will be required to be approved on the ESTA website prior to their day their travel starts.
Travelers who fail to obtain ESTA approval after January 12, 2009 may be denied boarding, or even admission into the United States.
To apply for ESTA approval you can visit the ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The programs stresses that applications be submitted more than 72 hours before your planned travel date, although they recommend the process be started as soon as you are aware that you will be traveling.
Once your approved, ESTA is valid for numerous entries into the United States. It will remain valid for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The ESTA will not replace the United States Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS). The progress of ESTA applications can be tracked through their website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Responses to your ESTA application will be one of the following three: Authorization Approved, Authorization Pending, and Travel Not Authorized.
Travelers who have been denied by ESTA can reapply after a period of 10 days if their circumstances have changed. They could also contact their local United States Embassy or Consulate for information on applying for a visa.
The ESTA website has been designed in an effort to help accommodate last minute travel and emergency situations, but this option should not be used unless it is a true emergency.
Although ESTA approval is not a guarantee of admission into the United States, it is still required. United States Customs and Border Protection will continue to determine admission determinations at their ports of entry.
By Ronni Dee
Thursday, January 15, 2009
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