Electronic System for Travel Authorisation

With effect from January 12th, 2009, any Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers will be required to obtain a travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S.A. under the VWP.

ESTA is now accessible online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ for citizens and eligible nationals of VWP countries.This modern system enhances the security of the VWP and will allow the U.S.A. government to continue and expand the VWP, which allows visitors from participating countries to travel to the U.S. for business or pleasure for 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa.

What is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization? The Electronic System for Travel Authorization is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. It requires the same information as the paper I-94W form that VWP travelers currently fill out en route to the U.S.A.

Why is a travel authorization via ESTA soon required for VWP travelers? Recently enacted U.S. legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security to implement an electronic travel authorization system and other measures to enhance the security of the VWP. ESTA adds another layer of security that allows DHS to determine, in advance of travel, whether an individual is eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP and whether such travel poses a law enforcement or security risk.

Who will need to submit an electronic travel authorization? All nationals or citizens of visa waiver countries who plan to travel to the U.S. for temporary business or pleasure without a visa will need this authorization to travel prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship.

How do you apply for authorization to travel to the U.S.? To apply for travel authorization, please visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. Answer all required questions and submit your application for travel authorization.

When will travelers be required to obtain pre-travel authorization? All travelers will be required to obtain a travel authorization via ESTA to travel under the VWP as of January 12, 2009.

When should you start using this Web tool? The ESTA Web site is already operational, and the U.S. government recommends all those eligible to travel to the U.S. under the VWP to begin using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization this autumn. An approved travel authorization via ESTA will be mandatory as of January 12th, 2009 for travel to the U.S.A. under the VWP. All responses must be provided in English.

Can someone else apply for me if I don’t have access to the Internet? Yes, a friend, relative, or your travel agent or operator, or other third parties may file an application on your behalf.

What information does a traveler need in order to complete the travel authorization form? The traveler must provide biographical data including name,birth date, and passport and travel information, as well as answers to questions regarding eligibility to travel under the VWP. Again, all answers must be submitted in English.