Press Releases

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Now Mandatory
for All Visa Waiver Travelers

January 13, 2009

As of January 12, 2009, all nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will be required by law to obtain a travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States under the VWP. This authorization may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA™), a free Internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through a U.S. government Web site.

DHS does not charge VWP travelers a fee for completion of an ESTA™ application. Eligible visitors seeking to travel to the United States under the VWP may apply for travel authorization via the ESTA™ Web site at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.

VWP travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established Web sites, which charge visitors seeking to travel to the United States under the VWP, for information about ESTA™ and for submitting ESTA™ applications to DHS on behalf of the traveler.  These businesses and Web sites are not endorsed by, associated with, or affiliated in any way with DHS or the United States Government.  Again, the United States Government does not charge a fee to obtain information about, apply for, or obtain a travel authorization through the ESTA™ Web site.  Use of a private service to apply for travel authorization via ESTA™ will not expedite the granting of approval.

The VWP allows nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days for business or tourism.  The program was established in 1986 with the objective of eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourist industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas.  The VWP is comprised of 34 countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and Australia.  If you are a passport holder of these or any VWP countries (full list available at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#countries), ESTA™ registration is required for travel to the United States.  Seychelles is not a member of the Visa Waiver Program.

The ESTA™ application Web site is available in 16 languages and includes a help section that provides additional information for VWP travelers to guide them through the application process.  Additional information about ESTA™ may be found at http://www.cbp.gov/esta.