January 22, 2010
U.S. Customs and Border Protection initiated a 60-day transition to air carrier enforced Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) compliance, an electronic travel authorization process that requires citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries to obtain authorization prior to coming to the United States. Travelers without an approved ESTA may not be permitted to board a US-bound airplane. Therefore, all tourist and business vistors using the visa waiver program should obtain travel authorization before coming to the US.
Once approved, the authorzation will be valid for up to two years or until the vistor's passport expires, whichever is earlier. Authorizations are also valid for multiple entries into the United States. The ESTA is not required for those who are traveling to the US with a valid visa. The new system is expected to completely replace the paper I-94W once implemented. More information about the ESTA is available at www.cbp.gov/ESTA.
