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DHS Announced Pre-Travel Authorization Program for U.S.-bound Travelers from Visa Waiver Countries - Including from AustriaVienna, June 5, 2008Vienna - The U.S. Government, through its Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced on June 3, 2008 the upcoming implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Here are highlights of that announcement: ESTA is a new online registration system that is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), legally required by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. The DHS anticipates that ESTA will become mandatory on January 12, 2009, although this date could change. The specific milestones for implementing ESTA are still being developed. As these milestones are finalized, the US Embassy Vienna will make details public and explain how Austrian travelers will be affected. Our goal continues to be to make travel to the United States as efficient and safe as possible. Currently, citizens of VWP countries must complete on the airplane or ship to the U.S. a written I-94W form providing basic biographical, travel, and eligibility information. ESTA will eliminate the need for this requirement. Instead, all VWP travelers will be asked to provide the same information online prior to departure for the U.S. Travelers will do this by obtaining an electronic travel authorization at least a few days before boarding their U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship. "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 in a DHS media statement. He also noted: "It is a relatively simple and effective way to strengthen our security, and that of international travelers." ESTA will verify, almost immediately in many cases, whether or not an individual is eligible for VWP travel. Travelers will be able to submit ESTA applications at any time prior to travel. Once approved, the ESTA application 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. Travelers to the U.S. will be advised to submit their application as soon as they begin planning U.S.-bound travel, but in any case not less than 72 hours before departure. Until ESTA becomes mandatory, all VWP travelers will still need to complete an I-94W form en-route, for presentation at a U.S. port of entry. Last fiscal year, the U.S. welcomed more than 15 million VWP visitors. For more information about ESTA, please visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html. e-mail: embassy@usembassy.at |
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