ESTA Electronic Travel Authorization Receives Enhancements
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced additional enhancements to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), as part of its Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 (the Act).
As part of the implementation, an updated ESTA application form is now available. The new form contains additional questions to address the travel eligibility requirements called for in the Act. CBP encourages travelers seeking an ESTA to use the enhanced system, which will also assist in making determinations on the potential granting of a waiver.
Travelers will not be able to apply separately for a waiver of the new restrictions.
Under the new law, the Secretary of Homeland Security may waive these restrictions if he determines that such a waiver is in the law enforcement or national security interest of the United States. Such waivers will be granted only on a case-by-case basis in the near future.
As a general matter, categories of travelers who may be eligible for a waiver include individuals who traveled to these countries on behalf of international organizations, regional organizations, and sub-national governments on official duty; on behalf of humanitarian non-governmental organizations on official duty; or as a journalist for reporting purposes.
Additionally individuals who traveled to Iran (only after July 14, 2015) or Iraq for legitimate business-related purposes may be eligible for a waiver.
Individuals will still be able to apply for a visa using the regular immigration process at U.S. embassies or consulates. For those who need a U.S. visa for urgent business, medical, or humanitarian travel to the United States, U.S. embassies and consulates stand ready to provide visa interview appointments on an expedited basis.
The new law does not ban travel to the United States, or admission into the United States, and the great majority of VWP travelers will not be affected.
Current ESTA holders should check their ESTA status prior to travel on CBP’s website, esta.cbp.dhs.gov. If a traveler needs to speak to someone immediately, they may contact the CBP information Center, www.cbp.gov/contact or their closest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Information on visa applications can be found at: travel.state.gov.
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