Electronic System for Travel Authorization - for VWP applicants

[Ellie-and-David 38]

Hi everyone,

I couldnt find a specific topic about this or I would have posted there.

As of the 12th January, if you are a national of one of the countries operating under the Visa Waiver Programme, in order to visit the USA you will need to apply for Electronic Authorization of your Visitors visa.

This can be done up to 72 hours before you are due to enter the country, but can also be completed prior to you having full travel details. I am visiting my Fiancee on the 7th of March and remembered seeing something about the new rules prior to my last trip in September.

So I went on to the website and applied. I haven't yet booked my flights, but I wanted to make sure that I could be approved.

You will need your passport to hand, it asks for the all of the information on the passport. It also asks for the carrier you are flying with and the flight number - but this information can be updated at a later time.

You are also required to enter the address where you will be staying once you reach your destination (but again this is optional and can be updated when the information is available to you)

So.....I input all of my information....and....bingo....I am authorised.....:-) My authorization is valid until 2011.

Here is the website providing full information, and a link to the Travel Authorization website.

http://www.visitusa.org.uk/visitors/esta.aspx

If there is another thread about this, my apologies.....mods please move to the appropriate topic area :-)

I just wanted to let my fellow VJ-ers know about this and the website.

[Laura+Tom 2]

I did mine the other day and I didn't realise how easy it would be. I thought I'd have to wait a couple of days for authorisation as the main screen has a bit where you can check on pending applications.

[ealachan 0]

When would a visa waiver be applicable? Sorry, I'm new to all this. My fiance is in the UK and comes to visit every 3 months or so...

[Laura+Tom 2]

When would a visa waiver be applicable? Sorry, I'm new to all this. My fiance is in the UK and comes to visit every 3 months or so...

You fiance travels to America under the VWP already. Means he doesn't have to apply for a tourist visa and can visit for up to three months at a time. The ESTA as detailed above is an extra security authorisation to run alongside the VWP. You can find more info on the US Embassy in London's website.

[ealachan 0]

When would a visa waiver be applicable? Sorry, I'm new to all this. My fiance is in the UK and comes to visit every 3 months or so...

You fiance travels to America under the VWP already. Means he doesn't have to apply for a tourist visa and can visit for up to three months at a time. The ESTA as detailed above is an extra security authorisation to run alongside the VWP. You can find more info on the US Embassy in London's website.

So if he's only staying for a week every 3 - 4 months, then this isn't something we have to worry about doing?

[Ellie-and-David 38]

When would a visa waiver be applicable? Sorry, I'm new to all this. My fiance is in the UK and comes to visit every 3 months or so...

If your fiancee is visiting you on a tourist visa (up to 90 days) then he, as a UK national is entitled to enter the USA under the visa waiver programme (ie: he doesnt have to apply for a visa and go to the embassy to have her passport stamped with authorisation prior to travel)

As of the 12th, prior to visiting you, your fiance will need to apply on the website for travel authorization.

Edited to add: yes, even if he is visiting for only a week, electronic travel authorization MUST be sort

Edited January 8, 2009 by Ellie-and-David

[Laura+Tom 2]

When would a visa waiver be applicable? Sorry, I'm new to all this. My fiance is in the UK and comes to visit every 3 months or so...

You fiance travels to America under the VWP already. Means he doesn't have to apply for a tourist visa and can visit for up to three months at a time. The ESTA as detailed above is an extra security authorisation to run alongside the VWP. You can find more info on the US Embassy in London's website.

So if he's only staying for a week every 3 - 4 months, then this isn't something we have to worry about doing?

Yes, he will need it. However he only needs to apply once and he's good for two years.

[ealachan 0]

Ok...I'll make sure he does this...I don't think he was aware of it.

[Laura+Tom 2]

Ok...I'll make sure he does this...I don't think he was aware of it.

Yeah because he'll be refused entry on to the plane otherwise.

[Aubrey 10]

Definitely good information to share. I just want to point out something so some folks here aren't mislead:

It also means that travellers will know before they leave their country of origin / arrival in the US, that they should be OK for entry (but not guaranteed).

The electronic system is intended as a security measure (e.g. for background and name checks), but you may still be denied entry for various reasons --- particularly important to those here -- such as if they believe you have the intent to immigrate. Be sure to still bring your proof of ties to your home country when traveling to the U.S.!

[KimandRuss 0]

Great point Aubrey!

This should certainly help from so many being turned away (would have in our case anyway ) but whether you actually get in or not is still up to the POE officer.

Edited January 8, 2009 by KimandRuss

[Ellie-and-David 38]

Definitely good information to share. I just want to point out something so some folks here aren't mislead:

It also means that travellers will know before they leave their country of origin / arrival in the US, that they should be OK for entry (but not guaranteed).

The electronic system is intended as a security measure (e.g. for background and name checks), but you may still be denied entry for various reasons --- particularly important to those here -- such as if they believe you have the intent to immigrate. Be sure to still bring your proof of ties to your home country when traveling to the U.S.!

I am taking a letter from my employer and copying my tenancy agreement. And i'll get mom on the phone if i have too

Edited January 8, 2009 by Ellie-and-David

[angeldelight23 0]

I completed the electronic form with details of my last trip but at that time they said I could still use the wavier form distributed on the plane/airport. Does anyone know if I need to change the details for my next trip and how to do this as by that time the electronic version will have to be used?

Many thanks

[Laura+Tom 2]

I completed the electronic form with details of my last trip but at that time they said I could still use the wavier form distributed on the plane/airport. Does anyone know if I need to change the details for my next trip and how to do this as by that time the electronic version will have to be used?

Many thanks

I don't think you need to change your details as the flight details were in fact optional. And they will still be giving out the waiver forms on the aircraft as you will still be under the VWP. ESTA is just an added security extra and will not replace the green 1-94W which gets attached to your passport at POE.