Electronic System for Travel Authorization - Universal Weather and ...

<strong>Electronic</strong> <strong>System</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>Authorization</strong>:Visa Waiver Program ModernizationFact Sheet <strong>and</strong> FAQAll Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers are now required to obtain a travel authorization via the <strong>Electronic</strong> <strong>System</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>Authorization</strong>(ESTA) prior to traveling to the U.S. under the VWP.The VWP allows visitors from participating countries to travel to the U.S. <strong>for</strong> business or pleasure <strong>for</strong> 90 days or less without first obtaininga visa. ESTA enhances the security of the VWP <strong>and</strong> has allowed the U.S. Government to exp<strong>and</strong> membership in the program. ESTA is nowaccessible online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov <strong>for</strong> citizens <strong>and</strong> eligible nationals of VWP countries.Contact the <strong>Universal</strong>® Regulatory Services Team <strong>for</strong> assistance with the VWP <strong>and</strong> ESTA.In BriefWho: Citizens <strong>and</strong> nationals of VWP countriesWhat: <strong>Travel</strong> authorization to travel to the U.S. under the VWPWhere: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/Why: Modernize <strong>and</strong> secure the Visa Waiver ProgramWhat is the <strong>Electronic</strong> <strong>System</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>Authorization</strong>?ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. It requires the samein<strong>for</strong>mation as the paper I-94W <strong>for</strong>m that VWP travelers currently fill out en route to the U.S.Why is a travel authorization via ESTA required <strong>for</strong> VWP travelers?U.S. legislation required the Department of Homel<strong>and</strong> Security (DHS) to implement an electronic travel authorization system <strong>and</strong> othermeasures to enhance the security of the VWP. ESTA adds a layer of security that allows DHS to determine, in advance of travel, whetheran individual is eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP <strong>and</strong> whether such travel poses a law en<strong>for</strong>cement or security risk.Who needs to submit an electronic travel authorization?All nationals or citizens of VWP countries who plan to travel to the U.S. <strong>for</strong> temporary business or pleasure <strong>for</strong> 90 days or less underthe VWP will need authorization via ESTA to travel to the U.S.How do I apply <strong>for</strong> authorization to travel to the U.S.?To apply <strong>for</strong> travel authorization, please visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. Answer all required questions <strong>and</strong> submit your application<strong>for</strong> travel authorization.My English skills are not very good. Will there be translations?Yes. The ESTA Web site, including the help section, is currently available in multiple languages, though all application responses mustbe provided in English.Can someone else apply <strong>for</strong> me if I don’t have access to the Internet?Yes, a friend, relative, personnel in the travel industry, or another third party may file an application on your behalf. However, the traveleris responsible <strong>for</strong> the truthfulness <strong>and</strong> accuracy of all in<strong>for</strong>mation submitted on his or her behalf.What in<strong>for</strong>mation does a traveler need in order to complete the travel authorization <strong>for</strong>m?The traveler must provide biographical data including name, birth date, <strong>and</strong> passport in<strong>for</strong>mation, as well as answers to questionsregarding eligibility to travel under the VWP. Again, all answers must be submitted in English.Is there a fee to obtain travel authorization?No, the U.S. government is not currently collecting a fee <strong>for</strong> ESTA applications. However, there may be an application fee in the future.Continued on page 2.©2009 <strong>Universal</strong> <strong>Weather</strong> <strong>and</strong> Aviation, Inc. • TSS-AM162

<strong>Electronic</strong> <strong>System</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>Authorization</strong>:Visa Waiver Program ModernizationFact Sheet <strong>and</strong> FAQI have seen other Web sites offer to apply on my behalf <strong>for</strong> a fee. Will this help me receive my authorization more quickly?No. The United States Government does not charge a fee to obtain in<strong>for</strong>mation about, apply <strong>for</strong>, or obtain a travel authorization throughthe ESTA Web site. VWP travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established Web sites that charge a fee to providein<strong>for</strong>mation about ESTA <strong>and</strong> to submit ESTA applications on behalf of the VWP traveler. These businesses <strong>and</strong> Web sites are not endorsedby, associated with, or affiliated in any way with DHS or the United States Government. Use of a private service to apply <strong>for</strong> travelauthorization via ESTA will not expedite the granting of approval.How far in advance of my trip do I need to apply <strong>for</strong> travel authorization?Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. We recommend that travel authorization applications be submitted as earlyas possible, as soon as travel is planned. DHS realizes that not all travel is planned in advance, <strong>and</strong> applications <strong>for</strong> last-minute oremergency travel will be accommodated.How long is my travel authorization valid?<strong>Travel</strong> authorizations are generally valid <strong>for</strong> two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. A visitor may travel to theU.S. repeatedly within the validity period without having to apply <strong>for</strong> another ESTA.Do I ever need to reapply <strong>for</strong> travel authorization through the ESTA?Yes, there are instances when a new travel authorization via ESTA would be required. If you have acquired a new passport or had achange in name, gender, or citizenship, or if the answers to any of the “yes or no” ESTA questions have changed, a new application mustbe submitted. Also, once the travel authorization expires, a new travel authorization via ESTA is required. Applicants may also updatetheir destination addresses or itineraries should they change after their ESTA has been approved, although this will not be required.How much time does it take <strong>for</strong> the system to process my application?Once a traveler’s application has been successfully submitted online, in most cases an almost immediate determination of eligibility<strong>for</strong> travel is provided.What are the possible responses I may receive?• <strong>Authorization</strong> Approved: <strong>Travel</strong> authorized• <strong>Travel</strong> Not Authorized: <strong>Travel</strong>er must obtain a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate be<strong>for</strong>e traveling to the U.S.• <strong>Authorization</strong> Pending: <strong>Travel</strong>er will need to check the ESTA Web site <strong>for</strong> updates within 72 hours to receive a final response3If I am approved through ESTA to travel to the U.S., does that mean I can enter the country?Not necessarily. Approval only authorizes a traveler to board a plane or cruise ship <strong>for</strong> travel to the United States without a visa. Inall cases, U.S. Customs <strong>and</strong> Border Protection Officers make admissibility determinations at ports of entry or preclearance facilities.Do VWP travelers need to bring a paper printout of their ESTA approval to the airport?No. DHS will be able to communicate a traveler’s ESTA status to the carriers. However, DHS recommends that travelers print out the ESTAapplication response in order to maintain a record of their ESTA application number.What should I do if I am denied a travel authorization?If an application <strong>for</strong> travel authorization is denied <strong>and</strong> the traveler wishes to continue with the trip, he/she will be required to apply <strong>for</strong>a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. For more about visa application procedures, please visit www.travel.state.gov.I have a current <strong>and</strong> valid visa. Must I apply <strong>for</strong> a travel authorization via ESTA as well?No, individuals who possess a valid visa may travel to the United States with that visa <strong>for</strong> the purpose it was issued, <strong>and</strong> will not berequired to apply <strong>for</strong> travel authorization through ESTA.Waiver of RightsAs a condition of each admission into the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, the submission of biometric identifiers(including fingerprints <strong>and</strong> photographs) during processing upon arrival in the United States shall reaffirm the waiver of any rightsto review or appeal of a U.S. Customs <strong>and</strong> Border Protection Officer’s determination as to admissibility, or to contest, other than onthe basis of an application <strong>for</strong> asylum, any removal action arising from an application <strong>for</strong> admission under the Visa Waiver Program.Continued on page 3.©2009 <strong>Universal</strong> <strong>Weather</strong> <strong>and</strong> Aviation, Inc. • TSS-AM162

<strong>Electronic</strong> <strong>System</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>Authorization</strong>:Visa Waiver Program ModernizationFact Sheet <strong>and</strong> FAQCountries currently enrolled in the Visa Waiver Program are:• Andorra• Australia• Austria• Belgium• Brunei• Czech Republic• Denmark• Estonia• Finl<strong>and</strong>• France• Germany• Hungary• Icel<strong>and</strong>• Irel<strong>and</strong>• Italy• Japan• Latvia• Liechtenstein• Lithuania• Luxembourg• Malta• Monaco• The Netherl<strong>and</strong>s• New Zeal<strong>and</strong>• Norway• Portugal• San Marino• Singapore• Slovakia• Slovenia• South Korea• Spain• Sweden• Switzerl<strong>and</strong>• United KingdomNeed help?Look to <strong>Universal</strong> <strong>Weather</strong> <strong>and</strong> Aviation, Inc. to help you save time <strong>and</strong> mitigate compliance risk.For more in<strong>for</strong>mation, contact our Regulatory Services Team at (713) 378-2734 or regsvcs@univ-wea.com, or yourTrip Support Services team.©2009 <strong>Universal</strong> <strong>Weather</strong> <strong>and</strong> Aviation, Inc. • TSS-AM162