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Current News

 

19.01.2010  
Entry requirements for the USA: ESTA to become mandatory from January 20, 2010

Last year, the United States Department of Homeland Security implemented a new program known as ESTA - Electronic System for Travel Authorization. All Visa Waiver Program (VWP) nationals are required to have an electronic travel authorization from ESTA prior to check-in, unless holding a valid U.S. visa. Children and infants must have their own ESTA.

As of 20 January 2010 passengers without a travel authorization from ESTA will be denied check-in on international flights into the United States. In addition to an ESTA approval it will still be necessary to complete the I-94W form until further notice.

What is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the VWP, and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk. Upon completion of an ESTA application, a VWP traveller is notified of his or her eligibility to travel to the United States under the VWP.

When will ESTA be fully implemented?
The ESTA process will be fully implemented on 20 January 2010.

What will happen if passengers arrive at the airport without an ESTA after 20 January 2010?
The passenger can attempt to apply for an ESTA before the cut off time for check-in, or must delay travel until an ESTA or U.S. visa can be obtained.

Must Form I-94W still be completed?
All passengers must still complete the green I-94W Arrival/Departure record even if they have received an ESTA. For now, the I-94W is the only record of when a passenger leaves the U.S.

When to apply for an ESTA?
ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States and a third party, such as a travel agent, will be permitted to submit an ESTA application on behalf of a VWP traveller. VWP travellers are encouraged to apply for authorization as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the United States, and at least 72 hours before departure.

How to apply for an ESTA?
VWP travellers may apply for an ESTA online through the U.S. government web site esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta
The online ESTA application primarily consists of submission of passport data, country of residence, U.S. visiting address and answering certain questions (as currently listed on Form I-94W). Once the ESTA is approved (in most cases instantaneously), the applicant will receive an application number and expiration date of the ESTA. The traveller is NOT required to present a copy of the application neither can it be used for boarding pass issuance. An electronic ESTA must be on file prior to boarding pass issuance.

An approved ESTA travel authorization is:

  • Valid for up to two years, or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first
  • Valid for multiple entries into the U.S.
  • NOT a guarantee of admissibility into the United States

What language versions are available for the ESTA application?

Currently the ESTA website provides the following language versions: Czech, Danish, Dutch, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, and Swedish.

However all questions must be answered in English Top

 

05.01.2010  
Guidance for Passengers on Heightened Security Measures

In response to the attempted attack on Northwest Airlines Flight 253 from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Detroit, United States on December 25, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has now advised that passengers traveling to and within the U.S. should be prepared for additional security measures that may include the deployment of explosive detection canine teams, law enforcement officers, gate screening, behavior detection and other measures. The additional security measures will vary depending on the airport, but travelers should plan to allow extra time to check in and proceed through security before their flights.

The TSA advises passengers traveling from international destinations to the United States to arrive at least an additional hour earlier than the normally recommended time to allow for the enhanced security measures. Such measures may include, in addition to those listed above, pat-downs and bag searches. The TSA is also reminding passengers to follow crew instructions while in flight—which may apply to stowing personal items, turning off electronic devices and remaining seated during certain portions of the flight.

While the TSA has not advised of any new restrictions regarding the number of bags passengers are allowed to carry onboard, certain international airlines have put restrictions in place. British Airways, for example, has limited the number of carry-on bags to one for passengers traveling to the United States from Heathrow, Gatwick, or London City Airports. At this time, travelers are advised to check with their specific airline regarding current baggage allowances related to their itinerary.

According to White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, President Obama has ordered a review of security screening processes in response to the attempted attack. CWT will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as appropriate.

Additional information about the TSA response to this incident can be found here.

Clients have been instructed to contact their local CWT representative for further information. Top