Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Now Mandatory for Participants in Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

In this acronymn-heavy heads-up, travelers in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are required to register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) when traveling to the U.S.

As of today, the ESTA program becomes mandatory for US-bound travelers who participate in the VWP. ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors who travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Passengers are advised to apply for an ESTA no later than 72 hours prior to departure. They can apply for an ESTA even if they do not have a ticket booked to the US here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

While the ESTA requirement itself went in to place in January 2009, it will now be enforced. The VWP enables qualifying citizens of participating countries to apply for admission to the U.S. for 90 days or less as non-immigrant visitors for business or pleasure without obtaining a U.S. non-immigrant visa.

The following countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program.