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Use of Online Registration (ESTA) Becomes Mandatory for US-Bound Travelers from Austria as of January 12, 2009Vienna, January 9, 2009Vienna: As of Monday, January 12, 2009, the US government, through its Department of Homeland Security, requires nationals from the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, which also includes Austria, to apply for travel authorization via the online registration system ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Registration via this program is mandatory as of January 12. Last fiscal year, the U.S. welcomed more than 15 million VWP visitors. Our goal continues to make travel to the United States as efficient and safe as possible. ESTA is the new online registration program that is part of the VWP. It has been in place on a voluntary basis since August 1, 2008 and will become mandatory as of next week. The ESTA application form can be filled out online from any computer with internet access. The link is https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. Application through ESTA is free of charge. However, travelers from VWP countries should be aware that there are commercial internet sites that charge for ESTA applications. These internet sites have not been authorized by the U.S. government and the Department of Homeland Security. Currently, citizens of VWP countries traveling to the United States are required to complete, on the airplane or ship, the written I-94W form providing basic biographical data, as well as travel and eligibility information. Even in the initial phase after ESTA has become mandatory, however, travelers will, for an unspecified period, still have to fill out the written I-94W form as well. ESTA will verify - almost immediately in many cases - whether an individual is eligible for VWP travel. Travelers will be required to submit their ESTA applications prior to departure. Once approved, the ESTA applications will be valid for up to two years or until the applicant's passport expires, whichever comes first. Authorizations will also be valid for multiple entries into the U.S. Travelers to the U.S. are advised to submit their ESTA application as soon as they begin planning travel to the United States and not less than 72 hours before departure. For more information about ESTA, travelers may use the following link: www.cbp.gov/travel. e-mail: embassy@usembassy.at |
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   American Citizen U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)        |
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