The U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is described on this web page: http://bit.ly/8isqJI All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization. The U.S. Congress mandated the registration program in 2007, and Customs launched it one year ago.
The 35 countries are: Andorra Australia Austria Belgium Brunei Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Monaco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Portugal Republic of Malta San Marino Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom
Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries will still be eligible to travel without a visa but will have to obtain an approved travel authorization prior to their travel to the United States. Unless revoked, travel authorizations are valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that travel authorization applications be submitted at least 72 hours prior to travel. If you obtain a new passport or there is a change to your passport information, you must apply for a new travel authorization.
If you have friends from these countries planning to visit the U.S. after March, 2010 please advise them of these requirements.
