The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new system, known as the Electronic System Travel Authorisation (ESTA) which changes the entry procedures for travellers to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP).
From January 2009, if you are travelling under the VWP you are required to obtain electronic travel authorisation prior to boarding your flight to the United States. If you do not receive travel authorisation prior to departure you may be denied boarding, experience delays or be denied admission into the United States. You can apply online anytime prior to travel, but it is recommended that you apply no later than 72 hours prior to departure.
ESTA requires submission of data that is currently provided by travellers arriving at US ports of entry on the green I-94W landing card.
ESTA is available for voluntary applications and it is anticipated implementation of ESTA will be mandatory for all Visa Waiver travellers by January 2009 after which time the old, green I-94W forms will begin to be phased out. During this trial period both the old I-94W and ESTA systems will be running simultaneously. No more information is being requested under ESTA than is currently required on the I-94W.
If you are planning to travel to the United States, you may wish to consider registering with ESTA before your departure. If your registration is successful, it will be valid for multiple entries into the United States for a period of two years or until the date on which your passport expires, which ever comes first. If you plan future trips or if your destination address or itinerary changes after authorisation, you can easily update that information through the ESTA website.
Submit an ESTA application.