U.S. To Prescreen Visa Waiver Travelers
MSK Client Alert
August 2008
Foreign travelers to the United States should be aware that on June 9, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced plans to begin implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA, an electronic prescreening system designed to review the eligibility of travelers before they depart to the United States, will be available for voluntary use by individuals entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) starting August 8, 2008; use of ESTA is expected to be mandatory for VWP travelers by January 12, 2009.