ARTICLE · 10 DECEMBER 2008

Changes To The Visa Waiver Program And Implementation Of The Electronic System For Travel Authorization

Faegre & Benson LLP

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently announced changes to the Visa Waiver Program and implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization.

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector

Beth Carlson

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced changes to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). These changes give the federal government ability to obtain information about international travelers in advance of travel to the U.S. in order to enhance national security.

The VWP—which allows eligible citizens and nationals of specific countries to travel into the U.S. without first obtaining B-1/B-2 visa stamps in their passports—was expanded on November 17. The program now includes citizens and nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia, in addition to countries already covered by the program.

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