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Electronic System for U.S. Travel Authorization
Modernizing the Visa Waiver Program

Effective January 12, 2009, Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers will be required to obtain a travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP. ESTA is now accessible online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov for citizens and eligible nationals of VWP countries.

This modern system enhances the security of the VWP and will allow the U.S. government to continue and expand the VWP, which 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.

Click here to download the Interactive Video on how to use ESTA (4Mb).

Countries Currently enrolled in the Visa Waiver Program are:

ESTA - Fact Sheet  Download [273.48KB]

ESTA TearSheet  Download [196.23KB]

FAQ - Expansion of the Visa Waiver Program  Download [74.17KB]

Extending Travel Opportunities To Our Allies  Download [27.35KB]