Electronic entry form for US set for January

Authorities with Homeland Security in the US confirmed last week that the new electronic form for entry into the country will be launched as originally planned, in January of 2009.

Known as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), the online registration will take the place of the current form I-94 that travellers fill out every time they visit the US. The new electronic form will have a validity of two years, or run out when the visitor’s passport expires – whichever date is earlier.

Beginning on January 12, 2009, passengers travelling to the US must submit their documentation electronically at least 72 hours in advance of their flight, in order to be screened before boarding the aircraft.

The British attaché for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the US, Michael Restovich, was quoted last week as saying that the launch date for electronic registration could be delayed due to the lack of awareness in Britain regarding the new requirement.

When they complete the form online, passengers will receive one of three notifications. The first is that travel is authorized and no further action is required on their part. The second possibility is that travel is not authorized and the passenger needs to obtain a non-immigrant visa at a US embassy. The third notification is that the application is ‘pending,’ meaning that the passenger needs to monitor the site for further updates, with an answer typically provided within 24 hours.

www.cbp.gov