Update on the Recent Changes in Visa Waiver Program
By admin ~ December 12th, 2008. Filed under: Travelers.
There have been a number of changes made to the VWP (Visa Waiver Program) this year. This article will bring you up to date. Basically, this plan allows eligible citizens of select countries to visit the U.S. on business or pleasure for up to 90 days without a visa. The participating countries that are in the program have recently been expanded to include the following 34:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Republic of
Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Starting on January 12, 2009, persons traveling under the VWP must first apply for the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). As it stands now, one only needs an e-Passport. This passport contains a computer chip that holds all the data about a person, including photos, fingerprints and place of residence. However, the ESTA website run by CBP (Customs and Border Patrol) will require passengers coming to the U.S. to post their vitals before boarding the plane. Under the VWP (Visa Waiver Program), travelers will be pre-screened by providing their biographical and VWP eligibility information on the site.
Part of this prescreening process is an effort to protect the U.S. against anyone threatening the security of our nation. This is accomplished by the sharing of information by law enforcement agencies of the participating nations. However, the true aim of the VWP is to enhance the ties between world partners thus benefiting everyone from a business, cultural and security standpoint.
If you need more information on these new changes in travel requirements, you are advised to contact a qualified immigration attorney.
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:17 am
Great read!