Traveling to US? Comply with ESTA Security or be Denied Entry

February 19, 2010 | Posted in: Ask Rick,News,Passengers,Travel Tips

UPDATE: Information changes quickly, so before doing any traveling to the U.S., please see the “Crossing U.S. Borders” section on the Dept. of Homeland Security’s website – it has info for U.S. citizens and visitors alike.

Some tourism officials are worried that a lot of people could be denied travel to the U.S. because they haven’t signed on with ESTA – the Electronic System for Travel Authorization.

Who it’s for: travelers visiting the U.S. from nations that don’t require a visa for entry to America.

What it does: screens travelers to eliminate potential security risks.

How it works: register online before departure providing name, address, passport information, etc. Approved applications valid for two years, then must be updated.

The problem: the ESTA program is now two years, but U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not start “enforcing” it until Jan. 20 – and then a grace period of 2 months was instituted, but that is about to expire. According to the Orlando Sentinel, an estimated 6% of visitors who should be registered with ESTA, are not.

The U.S. Travel Association says, that could mean a loss of one million visitors (and an estimated loss of $3.2 billion in business).

Don’t get denied entry – we’d miss you! Register with ESTA today. It’s free.

Share|

6 Responses to “Traveling to US? Comply with ESTA Security or be Denied Entry”

1. The Global Traveller says:

   February 19, 2010 at 8:19 pm

   Eh?

   ESTA is an immigration process not security. Furthermore, ESTA has been in place for over a year. The green I94W form is not yet replaced either, except on some trial flights.
2. Rick Seaney says:

   February 20, 2010 at 11:39 am

   Global,

   I noted that ESTA has been around for awhile, but when you say, “not [for] security” I can only respond with a line from the ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_c26CCD4A6-FF9F-EAD9-8CF6-4DB8154A96ED_k5EA1B408-8405-19AA-CEEA-2725D2AC0499 which says, “International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements.”

   Regards,
   Rick
3. The Global Traveller says:

   February 20, 2010 at 4:48 pm

   The information supplied in an ESTA application is just the same as in the green I94W forms. An electronic system replacing (eventually) a paper system doesn’t equal more security. I understand that it (should) speed up immigration processing on arrival since ESTA plus APIS data is all sent in advance.

   Note that having an approved ESTA doesn’t grant right to enter. The CBP officials can still deny entry on arrival.

   To clarify my other point. A completed ESTA has been a requirement to enter USA by air for visa waiver travellers since January 2009. It was announced in 2008 (perhaps that is where the 2 years comes from?).

   The Orlando Sentinel article is either old or someone has misinterpreted information.
4. V. Taylor says:

   February 21, 2010 at 1:50 pm

   As a Canadian, we received this info from the US Government on Feb. 19/10.

   Is ESTA still required??? As a holder of a NEXUS card which is issued by US Gov’t., we have been very carefully vetted and as an border patrol officer told us – ‘you have to be squeaky clean’ to get a NEXUS card.

   “Please be advised that citizens of the United States and Canada may now use their
   NEXUS and Free and Secure Trade (FAST) cards as proof of identification and
   citizenship at all land border lanes and seaport locations (not just the NEXUS/FAST
   lanes) when entering the United States or Canada.”

   Anon.
5. Rick Seaney says:

   February 21, 2010 at 4:59 pm

   Global,

   Thank you for your update.

   Rick
6. Rick Seaney says:

   February 21, 2010 at 7:10 pm

   V.,

   According to the ESTA website, the program is only for countries participating in the “Visa Waiver Program” and here’s what it says: “The Visa Waiver Program allows foreign nationals from certain countries to travel to the United States for business or pleasure, for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.”

   Canada does not participate, so ESTA is not required. Please see the FAQ’s on the ESTA site and the list of participating countries, at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/WebHelp/ESTA_Screen-Level_Online_Help_1.htm#Who is eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Program?

   NOTE: information changes quickly, so please read and review all the latest info on entering the U.S. in the “crossing borders” section of the Homeland Security Dept’s website: http://www.dhs.gov/files/crossingborders/travelers.shtm

   Hope this helps,
   Rick