Non-Immigrant Visas
Electronic System for Travel Authorization
On June 3 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which will begin to accept voluntary ESTA applications through a designated website starting on August 1, 2008. It will be mandatory for Danes traveling to the U.S. on the Visa Waiver Program to obtain this pre-flight clearance after January 12, 2009. ESTA is a new fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program and takes the place of the I-94W card which VWP travelers normally fill out on the airplane.
Preview the ESTA procedure via screen shots. You may have to choose save and then open.
ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States, and VWP travelers are encouraged to apply for authorization as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the United States. Ideally this should be done at least 72 hours prior to traveling. If the traveler receives a positive response, he may proceed with his trip, and this ESTA clearance is valid for two years; if there is a negative response, he will need to apply for a visa at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate. More detailed information will be publicized prior to August 1, 2008 when the website will be available for voluntary applications. This strengthening of the Visa Waiver Program is expected to increase security and to assist travelers who might not receive admission to the U.S. at a port of entry. This requirement only pertains to Visa Waiver travel; those with a valid visa do not need to obtain pre-clearance through ESTA.
Read more on the web site of the US Customs and Border Protection or download our ESTA fact sheet.