USA Green Card Immigration Blog

The Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection have reminded travellers to the U.S. who fall under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to complete the electronic travel authorization. This reminder has been issued with regards to one-year anniversary of the implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

The reminder stated that as of January 20, a 60-day transition will be enforced by CBP on ESTA compliance for air carriers. Boarding a U.S. bound plane might not be allowed for VWP travellers without an approved ESTA.

All citizens of the Visa Waiver Program countries are required to obtain electronic travel authorization, if they want to travel by air or water to the United States. All nationals of VWP countries travelling to U.S must have the electronic travel authorization mandatorily as of January 12, 2009. U.S. citizens returning from overseas and citizens of VWP countries travelling on a valid U.S. visa are not required to follow the ESTA reminder.

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program must submit ESTA applications any time prior to travel. The approved ESTA will be valid for two years or until the applicant’s passport expires or whichever comes first. This authorization can be used for multiple entries into the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security urges that the ESTA applications are best submitted as soon as the travel plans are made by the applicant.

The Visa Waiver Program travellers can complete an online application by logging onto the ESTA website. The online application is similar to a paper I-94W form. The applicant just has to answer basic biographic and eligibility questions. The paper I-94W form will be completely replaced by ESTA in the coming months. A VWP traveller can send a third party, such as a relative, a friend, or a travel agent if he cannot submit an application by himself.