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).
ESTA will be mandatory from 20 January 2010 for all eligible passengers prior to travel to the United States.
Customers travelling under the VWP must obtain electronic travel authorisation prior to boarding their flight to the United States. If they do not receive travel authorisation prior to departure they may be denied boarding, experience delays or be denied admission into the United States. Applications can be made online anytime prior to travel, but it is recommended that applications are made 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 mandatory for all Visa Waiver travellers and over time the old, green I-94W forms will be phased out, however both forms are currently required to be completed until further notice. No more information is being requested under ESTA than is currently required on the I-94W. Applications are currently free of charge at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/