SICOT e-Newsletter
New regulations for travellers to the United States from Visa Waiver Countries
- Effective January 2009Â
Beginning in January 2009, all international travellers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements.
Countries included under the Visa Waiver Program are:
| Andorra | France | Luxembourg | Singapore |
| Austria | Germany | Monaco | Slovenia |
| Australia | Iceland | Netherlands | Spain |
| Belgium | Ireland | New Zealand | Sweden |
| Brunei | Italy | Norway | Switzerland |
| Denmark | Japan | Portugal | United Kingdom |
| Finland | Liechtenstein | San Marino | Â |
Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries will still be eligible to travel without a visa but will have to obtain an approved travel authorization prior to (at least 72 hours before) their travel to the United States.
All eligible travellers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization through the US Department of Homeland Security - Electronic System for Travel Authorization website:
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IMPORTANT NOTE: A Traveller who fails to submit the authorization form at least 72 hours in advance of his or her departure to the US will not be allowed entry on to a plane. Authorization forms will not be allowed to be completed on site at the airport. |
Other resources:
US Homeland Security Announcement
Frequently Asked Questions: Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
Information you need to complete the ESTAÂ