Visa Waiver Program Updated August 1, 2008

Visa Waiver Program (WVP) travelers may begin using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) starting on August 1, 2008.  Use of the ESTA will be mandatory for all VWP travelers effective January 12, 2009.  As a result of these changes, all VWP travelers will be required to obtain electronic travel authorization through the ESTA at least 72 hours prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP. 

Applications for the ETA may be submitted at any time prior to travel, however the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends that travelers submit applications at least 72 hours prior to travel.  Travelers will receive a response within a few moments as to whether the Travel is authorizes, not authorized or whether the application is still pending.  Approved travel authorizations via EST will remain valid, unless revoked, for up to two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever occurs first.  Approved Travel authorizations will be valid for multiple entries, and any information changes, such as destination, may be easily changed online.  ETA authorizes a traveler to board a carrier bound for the United States, it does not guarantee entry into the U.S.

The VWP is administered by the DHS and is limited to eligible countries.  Currently, El Salvador is one of the VWP-eligible countries.

For more information on ETA or VWP, please visit www.CBP.gov/travel or http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html .

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