New US Visa Procedures For US

The US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that from August 1st, it will begin the implementation of its new Electronic System of Travel Authorization.

Under the new scheme, instead of filling out immigration forms while en route to the USA, travellers will instead provide 'basic biographic, travel and eligibility information' online 72 hours prior to departure.

The new arrangements apply to travellers under the US Visa Waiver Program and don't affect those with a valid US visa.

A statement from the DHS said the ESTA will enable it to approve candidates for travel before they depart.

Initially it will be implemented on a voluntary basis but will become mandatory on 12 June 2009, after which all travellers entering the US for temporary business or pleasure under the Visa Waiver Program will need to receive an electronic visa authorisation prior to boarding a US-bound plane or cruise ship.

"The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation will be a more efficient method of collecting the same information VWP travellers already provide the I-94W card," a spokesman said, adding most travelelrs would receive a response to their online applications within several minutes, and "the system has been planned to allow for last minute or emergency travel plans."

The website for the ESTA registrations is currently under construction and will be accessed at www.esta.cbp.dhs.gov .

The new US system is similar t the Australian government's Electronic Travel Authority for inbound passengers.

24 July 2008