Electronic System for Travel Authorization ESTA

1
Electronic System for Travel Authorization(ESTA)

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• August 2008

2
Agenda

• Legislation
• What is ESTA?
• How the System Works
• Authorization Responses
• Benefits for Travelers
• Implementation Timeline

3
Legislation

• Implementing the recommendations of the 9/11
  Commission Act of 2007 9/11 Act, enacted
  August 3, 2007, amends Section 217 of the
  Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to
• Enhance Visa Waiver Program (VWP) security
  requirements
• Extend visa-free travel to nationals of allied
  foreign countries
• Enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism and
  information sharing
• Support and expand tourism and business
  opportunities and
• Strengthen bilateral relationships.
• The 9/11 Act includes a provision mandating the
  development of an Electronic System for Travel
  Authorization (ESTA) for VWP countries.

4
What is ESTA?

• A web-based system that
• Determines eligibility of visitors to travel to
  the United States under the Visa Waiver Program
  (VWP)
• Determines whether such travel poses a law
  enforcement or security risk.
• Affects all VWP Countries

• Andorra
• Austria
• Australia
• Belgium
• Brunei
• Denmark
• Finland

• France
• Germany
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Liechtenstein

• Luxembourg
• Monaco
• The Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Portugal
• San Marino

• Singapore
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

5
How The System Works

• Travelers, travel agents, carriers or other third
  parties can enter information via secure website
  https//esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
• Website will be translated into several languages
  by mid October, however all answers are required
  in English
• Information required is similar to that already
  required on I-94W form
• In most cases, travelers will receive a response
  within seconds
• Approvals are stored in electronic system for
  travelers convenience.

6
Potential Authorization Responses

• Authorization Approved Travel authorized.
• Travel Not Authorized Traveler must obtain a
  nonimmigrant Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
  before traveling to the U.S.
• Authorization Pending Traveler will need to
  check the ESTA website for updates within 72
  hours to receive a final response.
• Approval is not a guarantee of admissibility to
  the U.S.
• Approval does not take place of a visa when one
  is required.

7
Benefits for Travelers

• Ensures future VWP existence and potential
  expansion
• No visit to consulateapply online
• Increases travel security
• Checks against appropriate law enforcement
  databases
• Address concerns pre-travel
• Initially free to use
• Fast response time
• Good for 2 years and multiple trips
• Last-minute travel accommodated.

8
Implementation Timeline

• June 9, 2008 Interim Final Rule published
• August 1, 2008 CBP implemented ESTA website with
  limited capacity
• October 15, 2008 CBP implements ESTA website
  with full capacity
• January 12, 2009 All VWP travelers will be
  required to have an electronic travel
  authorization via ESTA

9
Questions?
Beverly Good, Director ESTA Program
Management Office [phone] esta_at_cbp.dhs.go
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