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Government/Legislation - July 2008
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Electronic authorization soon to be required of international visitors
Last month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an upcoming rule regarding entry to the United States by residents of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries. The rule, called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), would require visitors from VWP countries to submit an online form no later than 72 hours prior to traveling to the United States.
Currently, visitors from VWP countries are required to complete a written I-94W form while en-route to the United States. The information submitted includes biographical, travel and eligibility information. The ESTA application will collect such information electronically, and will then return one of the following responses: Authorization Approved, Travel Not Authorized, or Authorization Pending.
According to the DHS, “ESTA adds another layer of security that allows DHS to determine, in advance of travel, whether an individual is eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP and whether such travel poses a law enforcement or security risk.”
One concern raised by critics of the process is that a “Travel Not Authorized” response could cause significant hassles for a traveler who may have mistakenly been identified as a threat. DHS information states that such travelers may then need to apply for a visa, which requires additional time.
The new process is expected to take effect in January 2009, and would be preceded by official publication in the Federal Register. Additional information can be found here.
Sources: www.dhs.gov, The Seattle Times
Reminder about visa requirements during summer travel season
Travelers with international trips planned this summer will need to be aware of the country-specific visa requirements for their destination. Visa applications for the countries listed below often take longer to process because these destinations are popular for both business and leisure travel. Unfortunately, requirements for visa applications vary widely from country to country and can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for processing.
Travelers are urged to thoroughly research each country’s requirements before submitting a visa application. Travelers should also consult their organization’s travel department or posted travel policy, as many companies partner with a visa service provider for assistance with visa applications, processing, etc.
China
As previously reported in CWT Traveler, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in April unofficially restricted the issuance of Chinese visas and increased requirements for obtaining a visa, reportedly as a temporary precaution against unrest and/or potential terrorist activity during the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games.
Restrictions include:- Restricted visa issuance
- More supporting documentation required
- Official notification of visa issuance
- Confirmation of roundtrip air and hotel reservations
- Longer visa processing time
- Travelers should carry travel documents at all times
- For more information on China’s specific requirements, please click here to view the May edition of CWT Traveler.
Brazil- Visa demand has greatly increased in Brazil, resulting in three weeks for processing for most U.S. travelers.
- Interestingly, the Brazilian Government processes visa applications by the traveler’s state of residence, meaning that travelers from different states may experience different processing durations.
India- Visa applications may be submitted online via sites listed on CIBT.com and other visa service provider Websites.
- Applications will be rejected if typos or other incorrect information are discovered.
- Processing typically takes more than a week; expedited service is not available for India
visas.
Russia
Fees increase depending on how quickly a traveler requests processing.
Sources: Carlson Wagonlit Travel, The Center for International Business and Travel (CIBT)
