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USWorkVisa.com News Archive
for the ‘Waivers’ Category

New ESTA System Will Affect Visa Waiver Travelers

Wednesday, June 11th, 2008

The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) released an interim final rule regarding the Electronic System Travel Authorization (“ESTA”) as part of the Visa Waiver Program (“VWP”). Mandatory implementation is set for January 12, 2009, while volunteer applications will be accepted beginning August 1, 2008.


Visa Waiver Agreements Signed With Eastern European Countries

Thursday, April 10th, 2008

Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff has signed visa waiver agreements with the governments of Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia. The agreements outline security enhancements that put the countries on the path toward visa-free travel to the U.S. and possible designation as Visa Waiver Program (VWP) members later this year.

The DHS said it will establish an electronic system of travel authorization for air passengers. VWP travelers will be asked to provide some basic information online in advance of their trip, which will generate an authorization number for travel. The DHS plans to announce details on how the authorization systems will work, and when they will begin, later in 2008.

The announcements are here (Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania) and here (Estonia, Latvia). A transcript of Secretary Chertoff’s remarks is also available.