New Regulations for Travelers to the USA from Visa Waiver Countries - Effective January 2009

[mcgillianaire]

Beginning in January 2009, all international travelers 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

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 US. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Program must apply for authorization through the US Department of Homeland Security - Electronic System for Travel Authorization website.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
A Traveler 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.

Comments

[undeniablynikki.livejournal.com]

What the hell. Why did this come about?

I'm glad I'm a dual citizen and don't need to worry about this BS any more.

[drunkendeadcat.livejournal.com]

just over complicating things it seems

[chu_hi.livejournal.com]

I would so do away with all that bull. Do you think any of the above countries requires the same authorization for American travelers?

Oh, and I would so let you enter my country.