Electronic System for Travel Authorization Update

On August 1, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security began its pilot of the Electronic System for Travel
Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is a program through which non-U.S. citizen travelers eligible for the Visa Waiver
Program (VWP) can obtain advance authorization to travel to the United States by plane. The ESTA program
replaces the green I94-W card and brief on-line questionnaire that VWP travelers were required complete upon
arrival in United States. Since August 1, 2008, more than 100,000 travelers successfully obtained their ESTA. ESTAs are valid for two years and can be renewed in two-year increments for the life of the traveler's passport. Starting January 12, 2009, the U.S. will mandate ESTAs for all citizens and eligible nationals from VWP countries who wish to travel pursuant to the Visa Waiver Program.

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