DHS Rule on ESTA Travel Authorization for Visa Waiver Program

73 Fed. Reg. 32440 (June 9, 2008)

A DHS interim final rule established a new program called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is scheduled to become mandatory for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers by January 12, 2009. ESTA is an automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the VWP. DHS began accepting voluntary ESTA applications starting on August 1, 2008.

Once ESTA is mandatory and effective, a prospective VWP traveler will need to obtain an electronic authorization through ESTA prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship.

Related resources

• ESTA Registration Site
• ESTA information from CBP