From The Press Room

• DHS Announces Pre-Travel Authorization Program
• Fact Sheet: Electronic System for Travel Authorization
• Frequently Asked Questions: Electronic System for Travel Authorization

More from Homeland Security

• Privacy Impact Assessment for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (PDF, 26 pages - 301 KB)
• Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (PDF, 9 pages – 50 KB)
• Systems of Records Notice (PDF, 19 pages – 122 KB)

Changes to the Visa Waiver Program to Implement the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Program, Interim Final Rule

The Department of Homeland Security has issued an interim final rule regarding implementation of an electronic travel authorization system to enhance the security of the Visa Waiver Program. Once implemented, the Department will be able to decide in advance whether an individual is eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

Changes to the Visa Waiver Program to Implement the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Program

Comment Period

Comments will be accepted and are due not later than 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Comments may be submitted via:

• Federal Rulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number for this rulemaking. All comments received will be posted without change to www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.
  
• Mail: Border Security Regulations Branch, Office of International Trade, Customs and Border Protection, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (Mint Annex), Washington, DC 20229.
  
• Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to www.regulations.gov. Comments submitted will be available for public inspection in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (5  U.S.C. 552) and 19 CFR 103.11(b) on normal business days between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Border Security Regulations Branch, Office of International Trade, United States Customs and Border Protection, 799 9^th Street, NW, 5^th Floor, Washington, D.C.

All comments submitted must include the agency name and docket number USCBP-2008-0003.

Following the 60 day public comment period and review, a Final Rule will be published outlining the new requirements and their effective date.

This page was last reviewed/modified on June 9, 2008.