Visa Waiver Travel to the U.S. Will Require Pre-Authorization
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Contributed by: Charles A. Mallard
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk. Under the ESTA program, travelers who are citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, will be required to receive an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or vessel. Beginning August 1, 2008, the program will be introduced on a voluntary basis. On January 12, 2009, the program will become mandatory and all business and pleasure travelers will be required to obtain travel authorization before boarding. Prospective travelers will complete an online application containing questions similar to the current I-94 form which U.S.-bound passengers currently complete prior to entering the United States. In most cases ESTA will provide an almost immediate determination of eligibility to travel under the VWP. For more information about ESTA, go to the DHS's Customs and Border Protection agency's website.
This column is published for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author's law firm or its individual partners.
