View complete information on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website.

U.S. TO REQUIRE FOREIGN VISITORS TO REGISTER ONLINE: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a new requirement in June 2008 that citizens of 27 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will need to receive an electronic travel authorization at least 72 hours before traveling to the U.S., starting in 2009. However, it has been announced that the ESTA web-based system will be available for voluntary applications after Aug. 1, 2008. Please check the DHS website for the latest updates.
 
DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff said travelers from VWP countries, which include 22 European countries, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Brunei, said the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will determine if an individual is eligible for travel to the U.S. and will be valid for up to two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first. The authorizations will be valid for multiple entries into the U.S.
 
“Getting this information in advance enables our frontline personnel to determine whether a visa-free traveler presents a threat, before boarding an aircraft or arriving on our shores,” Chertoff said. “It is a relatively simple and effective way to strengthen our security and that of international travelers, while helping to preserve an important program for key allies.” 
 
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Countries include:

Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brunei
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Monaco
The Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom