Summary

GAO reviewed the Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) new rule on changes to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to implement the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program. GAO found that (1) the final rule requires VWP travelers to provide certain biographical information to CBP officers electronically before departing for the United States to enable CBP to determine the eligibility of citizens and eligible nations from VWP countries to travel to the United States and whether such travel poses a law enforcement or security risk; and (2) CBP complied with the applicable requirements in promulgating the rule.