CBP's Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), an electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, began accepting applications on August 1, 2008.
*** The travel authorization will become mandatory for VWP travelers on January 12, 2009. ***
International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements.
All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization using the following process at the CBP / DHS website (see link below).
You will submit your application -- receive an application number -- receive a response to your application.
Who must apply for Authorization to Travel to USA under Visa Waiver program:
-- if you are a citizen of one of the Visa Waiver countries (have a valid passport),
-- plan to travel to USA for up to 90 days,
-- travel on business or pleasure (NO work authorization allowed); and
-- currently, you don't have a valid visitor's visa to USA.
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_cCB2345A2-9E30-7F30-BA18-23A425C3980A_k8ACCBC76-0E93-6037-A54E-2E7C1C5C6087
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