It’s been one year since the implementation of the Electronic System
for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection
has issued a reminder to travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries
of the requirement to comply with ESTA. Starting January 20, 2010, the
agency will start a 60-day transition toward enforcing ESTA compliance
for all air carriers. Any person from a Visa Waiver Program country
that does not have an approved ESTA may not be able to board an
airplane that is traveling to the U.S.
ESTA is an electronic travel authorization required for all citizens of
Visa Waiver Program countries prior to boarding a carrier to travel by
air or sea to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. This
authorization has been required since January 12, 2009, but should not
affect U.S. citizens returning from overseas or Visa Waiver Program
citizens traveling to the U.S. under a valid U.S. visa.
