USA Visa Waiver Program

From January 2009 Australian passport holders will need an ESTA
US Customs has introduced a new mandatory requirement for travellers planning on entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The VWP is available for nationals of 27 countries (including Australia, NZ, UK, Germany and Singapore) who are travelling for temporary business or leisure. To date, the only requirement for passengers travelling the US under the VWP has been to carry a machine-readable passport containing a digital photo.
This new requirement an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) means that from 12 January 2009, all passengers travelling under the VWP will now have to apply online for an ESTA.
Please note:
· Applications should be made at least 3 days prior to travel
· Airlines will deny boarding to passengers who do not hold a valid ESTA prior to travel
· Only the traveller can apply for the ESTA
Travellers will be advised throughout the booking process of the new procedure.
Watch this space for further developments….
 

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