US Visa Waiver and Obtaining US Travel Authorization

New Visa Waiver Program rules went into effect for travel to the United States at the beginning of the year. These new changes require travellers to obtain clearance to visit the United States through an online system with the US Customs and Border Protection. Apparently, this change is still catching some travellers off-guard.

If you plan on visiting the United States from a Visa Waiver nation, here is the skinny on the changes:

1) Travellers wishing to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must now register their details online and receive approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or simply put, the ESTA.

2) The US Customs & Border Protection asks the ESTA is completed at least 72 hours prior to travel.

3) Save your reference number - this is necessary to make updates to your ESTA record.

The official website travellers must register at is esta.cbp.dhs.gov

About the Electronic System for Travel Authorization

The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) system was put in place to pre-screen individuals in Visa Waiver Program Nations who wish to visit the United States. Currently, nationals from 35 countries are members of the US Visa Waiver Program - citizens from these nations do not require a Visa for travel to the United States provided they are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and approved by the ESTA system.

The ESTA application service is free of cost and travel authorization is good for two years or until your current passport expires, whichever comes first. There have been reports of deceitful websites changing for this free service - it is suggested you avoid these and lodge an application on the official site which is operated by the US Customs and Border Protection. The official site is listed above and is free.

The US Department of Homeland Security, the agency that oversees US Customs and Border Protection, has indicated not having ESTA authorization could risk, delay, and even prevent a visitor from entering the United States.

Nationals from countries which are not part of the Visa Waiver Program are required to obtain a United States Visa to be considered for admission at the border. Additionally, nationals from member Visa Waiver Program nations who do not meet the criteria to enter under the Visa Waiver are required to obtain a Visa.

If in any doubt, the best source for information is to contact the US Customs & Border Protection, The US Department of State and/or your local United States Embassy or Consulate that issues United States Visa's. The US Customs & Border Protection, The US Department of Homeland Security, and the US Department of State, also have information on their respective websites concerning travel to the United States.

Problems with the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization

There have been a few reports of individuals having problems obtaining approval with the system - this includes individuals who have travelled to the United States in the past without any problems. In some cases, it has been reported individuals have been able to re-apply a week later and successfully obtain an ESTA approval.

For most travellers, the ESTA system has been smooth sailing.

The ESTA system typically makes a determination in a matter of seconds, but some applications can take up to 72 hours.

US Electronic System for Travel Authorization - Application Submission

After submitting an application online, travellers will receive one of three results:

Authorization Approved - This means the traveller has been granted permission for travel to the United States.

Authorization Pending - For travellers who receive this response, it means your travel authorization is under review because the system could not make an immediate determination. A determination will be made within 72 hours; the traveller will need to return to the ESTA website and choose Update or Check Status of Previously Submitted Authorization to Travel to The United States.

Travel Not Authorized - This response means the traveller is not authorized to travel under the Visa Waiver Program. The traveller may still be able to obtain a visa from the Department of State for travel. If you’ve been declined, the Department of Homeland Security suggests travellers visit the United States Department of State Website www.travel.state.gov

Travellers can obtain information about applying for a United States Visa on the US Department of State website. The not authorized response does not deny travel to the United States; the response only prohibits travel under the Visa Waiver Program.

Why does the United States require an Electronic System for Travel Authorization approval?

This new travel authorization requirement is a result of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, an act of Congress, signed into law by US President George W. Bush. The intent is to pre-screen travellers to the United States before they board an aircraft or ship to the US.

It has been reported passport numbers, names, and dates of birth, of travellers are compared against watch-lists.

This specific law contains several other mandates including 100% screening for cargo; however, some of the other mandates such as 100% cargo screening on commercial aircraft do not take place as of yet.

List of US Visa Waiver Program Nations

As of this writing, the following nations participate in the Visa Waiver Program: Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Malta, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.