The writing was on the wall! Foreign travelers to the U.S. who require visas (since 9/11) have to attend an in-person interview at a U.S. Consulate. Yet foreign travelers to the U.S. on the Visa Waiver Program (“VWP”) do not need to undergo any scrutiny? Seem strange? Enter ESTA. The Electronic System For Travel Authorization (“ESTA”) was created to provide information in the form of a database to the Federal Government about Foreign Nationals traveling to the U.S. on the VWP. The new program begs many questions. We hope that this electronic communication will assist you and your staff to properly comply with the ESTA program.
ESTA is a new electronic system implemented to collect and maintain a record of visitors who want to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (“VWP”).
“Rather than relying on paper-based procedures, this system will leverage 21st century electronic means to obtain basic information about who is traveling to the U.S.without a visa,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Getting this information in advance enables our front-line personnel to determine whether a visa-free traveler presents a threat, before boarding an aircraft or arriving on our shores. It is a relatively simple and effective way to strengthen our security, and that of international travelers, while helping to preserve an important program for key allies.”
Visa Waiver applicants will not be able to enter the U.S. without an ESTA beginning January 12th, 2009.
Click Here for the Press Release from DHS about ESTA . . .
Click Here for the DHS Fact Sheet on ESTA . . .
Several questions addressed by the DHS FAQ are:
– What is ESTA? When does ESTA become mandatory for travelers?
– What is the application process for ESTA?
– What are the anticipated ramifications of the implementation of ESTA?
– How does one deal with an ESTA denial?
Click Here to Read the ESTA FAQ from DHS . . .
On August 1st, 2008, DHS will begin to accept voluntary applications through the ESTA website located at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Until ESTA is mandatory for all VWP travelers, ESTA applicants will need to complete an I-94W Form en-route (for presentation at a U.S. Port-of-Entry).