New online US visa scheme being introduced

Travellers to the US from the UK exempt from certain US visa requirements will have to use a new online travel authorisation process from January 12.

Under the new Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), all travellers, including children, from 27 countries under the US visa waiver programme will have to fill out an electronic travel authorization form online (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/) prior to boarding a US-bound aircraft or ship

Initially, there will be no fee to submit an application.

It will require answering questions about criminal records, communicable diseases, past history of visa revocation or deportation, and basic biographical data such as name, birth date and passport information.

Changes in address and itinerary can be made online after the ESTA form has been first submitted, according to the US State Department.

ESTA is not a substitute for a visa, as visas will still be required for certain travel from visa waiver countries.

“It is principally for those individuals planning to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure,” a statement said.

“Individuals from those and other countries traveling under valid visas will not be required to apply through ESTA. And just like with visas, those travelling with an ESTA approval will still be required to go through pre-clearance facilities at US ports of entry.”

The new process is intended to determine whether a traveller to the US is a law enforcement or security risk.

US Customs and Border Protection will begin to accept voluntary ESTA applications through the ESTA Web site: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ from August 1.

US officials warn that after ESTA becomes mandatory, travellers who have not received prior approval may be denied boarding, experience delays or be denied admission at a US port of entry.

If an applicant is not approved for travel through ESTA, he or she would have to apply for travel through the normal visa process. And if a traveller previously had been refused admission or a visa to the US, he or she would not be eligible for ESTA.

US homeland security secretary Michael Chertoff said: “Getting this information in advance enables our front-line personnel to determine whether a visa-free traveler presents a threat before boarding an aircraft or arriving on our shores.

“It is a relatively simple and effective way to strengthen our security, and that of international travellers, while helping to preserve an important program for key allies.”

Currently, travellers must fill out a paper form detailing their passport information, travel plans and intended length of stay when arriving on a carrier to the US.

The Department of Homeland Security is developing plans to phase out this form.

While US authorities recommend that the applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel, ESTA can accommodate last-minute and emergency travelers.

Travel authorisation is good for two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever is first.

But if the traveller acquires a new passport or changes a name or other identifying biographical information, a new travel authorisation would be required.

by Phil Davies