Electronic System for Travel Authorization: Difference between revisions
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At the behest of the Spanish government, the name of the requirement was changed from ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to ESTA because of concerns {{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} about the [[Basque nationalism|Basque separatist]] group which also goes by the initials "[[ETA]]". [[Australia]] operates a similar and older system, which is still called [[Electronic Travel Authority]] (ETA) system.<ref>[http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/eta.htm Australia's Electronic Travel Authority]</ref> |
At the behest of the Spanish government, the name of the requirement was changed from ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to ESTA because of concerns {{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} about the [[Basque nationalism|Basque separatist]] group which also goes by the initials "[[ETA]]". [[Australia]] operates a similar and older system, which is still called [[Electronic Travel Authority]] (ETA) system.<ref>[http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/eta.htm Australia's Electronic Travel Authority]</ref> |
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ESTA adds a requirement for pre-authorization to the existing Visa Waiver Program. |
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From January 20, 2010 airlines are enforced (through fines) to require ESTA at check in.<ref>http://www.etravelblackboard.com/showarticle.asp?id=101402&nav=13</ref> |
From January 20, 2010 airlines are enforced (through fines) to require ESTA at check in.<ref>http://www.etravelblackboard.com/showarticle.asp?id=101402&nav=13</ref> |
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Revision as of 01:48, 1 March 2011
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a United States government requirement (mandated by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007) for participating travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries arriving by air or sea to complete online the I-94W form (formerly paper-based and filled on arrival by participating VWP citizens) in advance of travel to the United States. ESTA is not needed when arriving by land from Canada or Mexico.[1] Passengers (including babies) without an ESTA may be denied to check in, although it is possible to get one while at the airport.[2]
History
Passengers were able to sign up in August 2008, and the travel authorization became mandatory from January 12, 2009. Once pre-screened, passengers may reuse the ESTA approval for two years, although they may still need to complete the I-94W paper form for land entry, or if the electronic system is unavailable.[3]
At the behest of the Spanish government, the name of the requirement was changed from ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to ESTA because of concerns [citation needed] about the Basque separatist group which also goes by the initials "ETA". Australia operates a similar and older system, which is still called Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system.[4]
ESTA adds a requirement for pre-authorization to the existing Visa Waiver Program.
From January 20, 2010 airlines are enforced (through fines) to require ESTA at check in.[5]
Before September 8, 2010 ESTA was available for free from the official government websites. From then, the Travel Promotion Act introduced a charge of $14. This is made of $10 which goes to the Corporation for Travel Promotion and a $4 fee levied by the CBP for administration costs.[6] The EU Ambassador to the United States John Bruton, argued it is illogical to think tourist numbers will go up if they are charged to enter the country [7] The charge has also been described as little more than a way to fund advertisements for United States tourism by critics in the European Parliament.[8]
Applying for ESTA
The U.S. Government recommends that travellers go online to submit an authorization request three days (72 hours) before travelling to the United States.[9] This is not a requirement, and the majority of applications are approved in less than one minute.[10] However, if a traveller is not eligible for visa-free travel, he or she will need to apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, which is a substantially lengthier process that may require an interview with a U.S. Consular officer. This recommendation has been widely mischaracterized in the press as a requirement. As a result, opponents claim the new rules will delay last-minute business travel.[11] Once a traveller obtains an authorization, it is valid for two years or until the traveller's passport expires, whichever comes first.[9]
Third party websites
Some websites offer to complete ESTA applications for a fee. Access and application through the official U.S. Government website are available to any passengers/visitors to the U.S. who qualify under the ESTA program. Even if one of the third party websites is used, passengers themselves still have to fill in the same form.[12]
See also
External links
- Official Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Website
- BBC TV Documentary about unofficial ESTA websites
References
- ^ "Who must apply for ESTA". US Customs and Border Protection.
{{cite web}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help); Missing or empty|url=(help); Text "https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1094/kw/esta/related/1" ignored (help) - ^ "Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Online Help". US Customs and Border Protection. Retrieved November 12, 2010.
- ^ "Arrival-Departure Record, CBP Form I-94W, for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Applicants". July 19, 2010. Retrieved November 12, 2010.
- ^ Australia's Electronic Travel Authority
- ^ http://www.etravelblackboard.com/showarticle.asp?id=101402&nav=13
- ^ "DHS, CBP Announce Interim Final Rule For ESTA Fee". CPB.gov. August 6, 2010.
- ^ "Travel Promotion Act of 2009 could have unintended consequences". September 4, 2009. Retrieved November 12, 2010.
- ^ http://www.visabureau.com/america/news/27-09-2010/european-parliament-criticizes-esta-fee-to-fund-travel-promotion.aspx
- ^ a b CBP Press Release
- ^ "DHS Press Release".
- ^ Industry Anxious About Planned U.S. Electronic Entry System: The Transnational
- ^ "Beware of ESTA Scams". US Embassy in London. March 25, 2009 (updated). Retrieved 12 November 2010.
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