Electronic System for Travel Authorization
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a requirement issued by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff which requires airline passengers from visa-waived countries (most of Western Europe, Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore) to register with the U.S. government in advance of travel to the United States.[1]
Passengers can sign up starting in August 2008, but the travel authorization will not become mandatory until January 2009.[2] Once screened, passengers are exempt from screening as their records will be kept on file for two years.
Chertoff claims the new requirements are necessary in regards to the potential threats from the radicalization of Europe. (source?)
Opponents claim the new rules will delay last minute business travel.
At the behest of the Spanish government, the name of the rule was change from ETA (electronic travel authorization) to ESTA because of concerns about the Basque separatist group who also goes by ETA.[citation needed]
The Australian equivalent is still called ETA.[3]
References
- ^ Sevastopulo, Demetri (2008-06-02). "US gives more details on new visa rules". Financial Times. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ http://www.cbp.gov/esta
- ^ http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/eta.htm
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