News 2008

10 December
Visa Waiver Program - effective 12 January 2009

Effective 12 January 2009 there will be changes to the way in which you can apply for the Visa Waiver Program when travelling to the U.S. The Visa Waiver Program allows visitors from participating countries to travel to the U.S. for business or pleasure for 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa. From 12 January 2009 all nationals and citizens of visa waiver countries who plan to travel to the U.S. for temporary business or pleasure will now do so online at the following address: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

This must be completed online as you will no longer be allowed to complete the I-94W form en route to the U.S. In order to obtain authorisation for the Visa Waiver Program we would encourage you to do so no less than 72 hours prior to departure.

Failing to gain authorisation for the Visa Waiver Program prior to departure may lead to you being denied boarding.

Which Countries are currently involved in the Visa Waiver Program?

From 17 November 2008, the U.S. expanded the VWP to include the following countries:

Please note: Eligible citizens or nationals from these new VWP countries may travel to the U.S.under the VWP provided they have an e-passport and an approved authorisation via the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

For further information regarding the Visa Waiver Program please refer to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

Please note that all material in this document was sourced from https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. For updates please refer to the website. 111208se. Version 1b