From 12 January 2009, all travellers to USA under the Visa Waiver Programme will need to register under the Electronic System for Travel Authority or ESTA. This replaces the I-94 system where the green form (I-94W) is filled out on the plane. This change, however, is being phased out as the ESTA is subject to the airlines’ capability to process the application. The I-94W form will still be in use for those who are not yet able to receive and validate the ESTA.
The aim is to automate the process and perhaps do away with the paper trail, which would make ‘green’ advocates happy. But with the increasing cyber crime, this might give the no-gooders a chance to make an attack. Just hope that the system is fool-proof.
For more information on the ESTA, check out Visit USA. To submit an application, click here.
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