The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the Interim Final Rule for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a new online system that is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Once ESTA is mandatory next year, all nationals or citizens of VWP countries who plan to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure under the VWP will need to receive an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a U.S-bound airplane or cruise ship. This requirement does not affect U.S citizens traveling overseas.

On 1 August 2008, voluntary applications through the ESTA Website will be accepted. Until ESTA is mandatory for all VWP travelers, however, ESTA applicants will also still need to complete an I-94W form en-route, for presentation at a U.S port of entry. The implementation of mandatory ESTA requirements is expected to commence on 12 January 2009.
For more information about ESTA, please click here.