SECURITY:TRAVELLERS TO the US will have to provide extra information for security reasons when the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) comes into effect early next year.
If you are travelling to the US after its introduction, you will need to complete the new ESTA online form at least 72 hours in advance of your trip. The ESTA will replace the green or white form that you normally complete at the airport.
Launched yesterday, initially for use on a voluntary basis, the ESTA applies to citizens of the Visa Waiver Programme countries, which include Ireland, the UK and many other European countries. When completed, the authorisation will provide a reference number which you must bring with you to the airport.
If your authorisation is rejected or pending, you may have to apply to the US embassy for a visa to travel. An ESTA is valid for travel for up to two years or the expiry of your passport. But the online form has to be updated for each trip you make during the two-year period.
The ESTA website began operating yesterday and travellers are being encouraged to use it voluntarily, in order to familiarise themselves with the process. There is no fee at present for travel authorisation, but that may change in the future.
In most cases, a response will be received within seconds determining whether travel to the US has been authorised. If the application is not authorised, a visa may be requested through the US embassy. In some instances, customers will need to wait up to 72 hours for authorisation.
Information required for travel authorisation will cover address at home and when staying in US, passport details, flight arrangements, health questions, as well as issues of drug abuse, criminal convictions and details of any deportation or removal from the US.
See https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov