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Technology

ESTA soon mandatory for VWP travelers to United States
Beginning January 12, 2009, international travelers—business and leisure—planning to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will be affected by the new security requirements of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

The 27 countries that participate in the VWP are: Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. (See the related article in the “International” section of this newsletter.)

Travelers will need to receive an electronic travel authorization before departing to the United States by plane or vessel. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends that travel authorization applications be submitted at least 72 hours prior to scheduled travel. The authorization will be valid for multiple entries to the United States for up to two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. The ESTA application must be submitted in English. More information about the ESTA can be found on its help page.

Source: cbp.gov