Customs and Border Protection Reminds VWP Travelers of the ESTA requirement

24 Jan 2010

It’s been one year since the implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a reminder to travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries of the requirement to comply with ESTA. Starting January 20, 2010, the agency will start a 60-day transition toward enforcing ESTA compliance for all air carriers. Any person from a Visa Waiver Program country that does not have an approved ESTA may not be able to board an airplane that is traveling to the U.S.

ESTA is an electronic travel authorization required for all citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. This authorization has been required since January 12, 2009, but should not affect U.S. citizens returning from overseas or Visa Waiver Program citizens traveling to the U.S. under a valid U.S. visa.