Basil
2nd Sep 2008, 12:47
This scheme is live at:
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_c71CC33A4-AD98-5983-4D2B-30EF5D74B5C1_kC926D177-5803-9827-53F5-6F8C3266204C
and states:
International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization using the following process:
I'd initially understood that, if an ESTA was granted, it was no longer necessary to fill in the green I-94W immigration form for entry however, this was required on 21 Aug inbound at JFK.
Any US Immigration Officer Pruner who can advise?
Just found the answer at:
Frequently Asked Questions About ESTA - CBP.gov (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/esta_faq.xml)
On Aug. 1, 2008, DHS will begin to accept voluntary ESTA applications through the ESTA Web site . .
. . ESTA becoming mandatory for all VWP travelers on Jan. 12, 2009
Q: If a VWP traveler has received ESTA approval, does he or she also need to fill out an I-94W?
A: The implementation of the ESTA program will allow DHS to eventually eliminate the requirement that VWP travelers complete an I-94W prior to being admitted to the United States. After Jan. 12, 2009, a VWP traveler with a valid ESTA will not be required to complete the paper Form I-94W when arriving on a carrier that is capable of receiving and validating messages pertaining to the traveler’s ESTA status as part of the traveler’s boarding status. Travelers on carriers without this capability will still be required to complete the paper Form I-94W. Until ESTA is mandatory, however, all VWP travelers applying for admission at a U.S. port of entry, including those VWP travelers who possess a voluntary ESTA approval, must still present the Form I-94W to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Mods, this may be of interest on Pax & SLF &/or Airlines, Airports
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_c71CC33A4-AD98-5983-4D2B-30EF5D74B5C1_kC926D177-5803-9827-53F5-6F8C3266204C
and states:
International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization using the following process:
I'd initially understood that, if an ESTA was granted, it was no longer necessary to fill in the green I-94W immigration form for entry however, this was required on 21 Aug inbound at JFK.
Any US Immigration Officer Pruner who can advise?
Just found the answer at:
Frequently Asked Questions About ESTA - CBP.gov (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/esta_faq.xml)
On Aug. 1, 2008, DHS will begin to accept voluntary ESTA applications through the ESTA Web site . .
. . ESTA becoming mandatory for all VWP travelers on Jan. 12, 2009
Q: If a VWP traveler has received ESTA approval, does he or she also need to fill out an I-94W?
A: The implementation of the ESTA program will allow DHS to eventually eliminate the requirement that VWP travelers complete an I-94W prior to being admitted to the United States. After Jan. 12, 2009, a VWP traveler with a valid ESTA will not be required to complete the paper Form I-94W when arriving on a carrier that is capable of receiving and validating messages pertaining to the traveler’s ESTA status as part of the traveler’s boarding status. Travelers on carriers without this capability will still be required to complete the paper Form I-94W. Until ESTA is mandatory, however, all VWP travelers applying for admission at a U.S. port of entry, including those VWP travelers who possess a voluntary ESTA approval, must still present the Form I-94W to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Mods, this may be of interest on Pax & SLF &/or Airlines, Airports