Jun 5, Homeland Security Introduces Electronic System for Visa Waiver Program

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the interim final rule for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a new online system that is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The system is designed to obtain basic information about who is traveling to the U.S. without a visa, according to Michael Chertoff, secretary of homeland security. He said the information is designed to help frontline security personnel to determine whether a visa-free traveler presents a threat before boarding an aircraft or arriving in the U.S. Once ESTA is mandatory, all nationals or citizens of VWP countries who plan to travel to the U.S. will need electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship. The requirement will go into effect next year and does not affect U.S. citizens traveling overseas.


Currently, citizens of VWP countries complete a written I-94W form providing basic biographical, travel, and eligibility information while en-route to the U.S. With ESTA, VWP travelers will provide this information online prior to departure for the U.S. ESTA will determine, almost immediately in many cases, if an individual is eligible for VWP travel, and if such travel poses any law enforcement or security risks. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, and once approved, will be valid for up to two years or until the applicant's passport expires, whichever comes first. Authorizations will also be valid for multiple entries into the U.S. To facilitate the authorization process, DHS recommends that ESTA applications be submitted as soon as an applicant begins planning U.S.-bound travel, and not less than 72 hours prior to travel. On Aug. 1, the department will begin to accept voluntary applications through the ESTA website.


Meanwhile, the Travel Industry Association (TIA) said it is committed to working with DHS to implement ESTA. Roger Dow, president and CEO of the TIA, called the DHS program one that modeled on a successful Australian program. Dow said ESTA is good for travelers because it can streamline documentation requirements and ensure the continuation of the VWP. However, Dow said that effectively communicating the policy will be as important as the policy itself. He described ESTA as "the perfect example of a program crying out for a well-funded communications strategy to explain changing U.S. entry requirements to friends and potential visitors." He urged Congress to pass the Travel Promotion Act (S. 1616 / H.R. 3232), which would create a public-private campaign to better communicate U.S. security and entry policies and welcome more international visitors.


Source: Modern Agent

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