DHS Announces Pre-Travel Authorization Program for
U.S.-Bound Travelers from
Visa Waiver Countries
June 3, 2008
Washington, D.C.
Office of the Press Secretary
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today 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) and is required by the
Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.
“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 frontline 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.”
Once ESTA is mandatory, all nationals or citizens of VWP countries who plan
to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure under the VWP
will need to receive an 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, 2008, the department will begin to accept voluntary applications
through the ESTA Web site at
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Until ESTA is mandatory for all VWP travelers,
however, ESTA applicants will also still need to complete an I-94W form en-route,
for presentation at a U.S. port of entry. The Secretary of Homeland Security is
anticipated to publish a notice in the Federal Register by mid-November 2008,
announcing implementation of mandatory ESTA requirements on Jan. 12, 2009.
Last fiscal year, the U.S. welcomed more than 15 million VWP visitors. For
more information about ESTA, please visit
www.cbp.gov/travel.
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