The Embassy of the United States has informed that as of August 1, 2008 the United States will introduce the Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA). Air and sea Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers will be encouraged to begin applying for voluntary ESTA approval as of August 1.
Beginning January 12, 2009 all VWP travelers will be required to obtain ESTA travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP.
After January 12 2009, VWP travelers who do not apply for and receive travel authorization via ESTA prior to travel may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission at a US port of entry.
ESTA will only be required for visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program to the United States via air or sea carriers. Travelers applying for admission to the United States under the VWP at land border ports of entry will continue to be processed as they are today.
ESTA is valid for up to two years or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first, and is valid for multiple entries into the United States. ESTA approval is not a guarantee of admissibility to the United States.
ESTA website is https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov; it is recommended that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel. In October 2008, the ESTA website will be available in multiple languages.
For additional information regarding the VWP and ESTA please visit www.cbp.gov/esta and "For International Visitors" at www.CBP.gov/travel | 
