US ESTA system

26 June 2008

The United States is instituting an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which establishes a new online system that is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Under the new system, nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries who plan to travel to the United States will require an approved ESTA prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP.  To apply for the ESTA, travellers will log on to the ESTA web-based system and complete an application online.  The web based system will be available for voluntary applications after 1st August 2008.  ESTA will be implemented as a mandatory program 60 days after publication of a notice in the Federal Register.  DHS anticipates that the notice will be issued in November 2008, for implementation of the mandatory ESTA requirements from 12th January 2009.

The Chamber of Shipping of America advises that, in response to their queries, they understand that:

- Mariners who carry a valid C1/D visa and come from a VWP country are not required to obtain the ESTA travel authorisation.

- Mariners and shoreside staff who wish to enter the US with only a passport issued by a VWP, must obtain the ESTA.

- Mariners from non-VWP countries must have both a valid passport and visa for entry into the US, as present.

More information about the ESTA program can be found at:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/fact_sheets/travel/esta_factsheet.xml