US online compulsory registration system secure

US Department of Homeland Security officials are saying that the new online registration service for visitors to the US that is being introduced in 2009 is secure, and that the privacy of visitors will be protected.

The site is known as the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, and registration on the site will be compulsory for everyone flying into America from countries participating in the visa waiver programme.

When explaining the registration system in London at the US Embassy, experts assured meeting attendees that the new online service will not only help speed up the process for entry into the US, it will also protect the privacy of information entered into the system, according to a report by the BBC.

An attaché from the US Department of Homeland Security, Michael Restovich, said to the news broadcaster from the BBC: “All the privacy concerns have been addressed and safeguards put in place to ensure that only people who need to see the information do so.”

Use of the registration system, which will be mandatory beginning 12 January 2009, will eliminate the need filling out forms on the plane prior to arrival, and the need to for Homeland Security officers to input the information when the visitor arrives at immigration.

Online registration will be valid for two years.

www.cbp.gov/esta