On January 20, 2010 Customs Border Protection (CBP) began requiring new requirements for residents of Visa Waiver Program countries traveling to the U.S. The new system, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) requires travelers to supply personal information including name, date of birth, and passport information, as well as travel information such as the flight number and destination address in the United States. The traveler will also be required to answer VWP eligibility yes/no questions regarding communicable diseases, arrests and convictions for certain crimes, and past history of visa refusal among others. ESTA replaces the paper I-94W form that VWP travelers filled out en route to the United States. Under this new system, all residents of VWP countries visiting the United States are required to fill out the electronic form PRIOR to boarding a plane for the U.S.

CBP will allow a 60 day trial time, in which passengers should not be denied from boarding but be sent to secondary screening and informed of the ESTA requirements. After this period, on March 20, airlines will be fined for allowing passengers to board a plane without an ESTA.

To learn more about this program visit the U.S. State Department’s ESTA website. 

Additional Resources

ESTA Frequently Asked Questions (from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

News Release: CBP Reminds U.S.-Bound Travelers From Visa Waiver Program Countries to Complete Online Travel Authorization