ESTA
An approved travel authorization via ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is:
- Required for all VWP (Visa Waiver Program, the 90 day tourist visa) travelers prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP beginning January 12, 2009 (it’s voluntary until that date);
- Valid, unless revoked, for up to two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first;
- Valid for multiple entries into the U.S.. As future trips are planned, or if an applicant’s destination addresses or itineraries change after their authorization has been approved, they may easily update that information through the ESTA Web site; and
- Not a guarantee of admissibility to the United States at a port of entry. ESTA approval only authorizes a traveler to board a carrier for travel to the U.S. under the VWP. You can be held and turned away at the border if information is deemed to warrant this response by border officials.
(For additional information, please visit “For International Visitors”)