Travellers to the US who use the visa waiver programme are being urged to register online from today, ahead of a compulsory scheme to be introduced early next year.

The US will dispense with green forms issued to business and leisure travellers on January 12, in favour of the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization scheme similar to that used by Australia.

An interim registration period began today in which travellers have the option to put their details online where they will be retained for two years, although they will still have to use the green form until January 12

The visa waiver scheme applies to the bulk of those travelling to the US. Those with a visa, such as business travellers staying for more than three months, will not be processed electronically.

US officials estimate that the application, found at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, will take 15 minutes to complete.

“The advice is to go online as soon as you start planning a trip to the US to get your authorisation,” said a Visit USA spokeswoman.

“When you have your travel arrangements, go back online with your flight and accommodation details and input your APIS information.”

The spokeswoman added that the new system “brought the US into the 21st century”. She said: “It takes out millions of paper forms."

The US government is not making a charge for electronic processing, but admits it may do so in the future. It believes electronic registration will help airlines over potential problems associated with repatriating those who are denied entry.

“If you are under the visa waiver programme and are refused entry, airlines have to repatriate you. If you are approved under ESTA, you will be admitted unless there is a problem as to why you are going in.”

4 August 2008