RELO Roundtable…a gathering place

Planning a relocation to the United States and need to visit temporarily before you start scheduling your move?

As of January 12, 2009, a valid, free Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval has been required for all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) visitors scheduling travel to the United States.

ESTA is an automated system operated online as part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the U.S. under the VWP guidelines. The ESTA application collects the same information as that collected on Form I-94W.  ESTA applications may be submitted at anytime prior to arrival, although the site recommends you apply when beginning to prepare travel plans.

The VWP enables nationals of 36 participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business (visitor [B] visa purposes only) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Currently those countries include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and, United Kingdom.

Beginning September 8, 2010, all ESTA registration applications or renewals on or after that date will require a $14.00 fee (£9) payment by credit or debit card. Existing ESTA registrations remain valid through their expiration date.

For more information on this new entry requirement, interested parties can review Get it and Go, a short informational video or visit the ESTA webpage at the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection website.