Electronic pre-registration for Visa Waiver travelers
DHS says that beginning 1 January 2009, passengers traveling to the United States from Visa Waiver Program countries will have to register online at least 72-hours before embarking on their trip; critics see problems
DHS announced that starting 1 January 2009, the United States will require people traveling to America from Visa Waiver Program Countries to register online at least 72-hours before embarking on their trip. This program is called Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and if a passenger fails to register, he or shee should expect to be barred from boarding an airplane or cruise ship bound for the United States., or from crossing a land border into the United States. According to DHS, foreign travelers can begin voluntarily registering starting in August this year. An approved ESTA travel authorization is valid for up to two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first; valid for multiple entries into the United States; and does not guarantee admission to the United States at a port of entry.
Critics say that there are problems with the new policy related to usability, privacy, and cyber security. Just briefly reading through the ESTA FAQ provides some insight into the specifics DHS has to address. Here are a few highlights:
Usability: All questions have to be answered in English and many users likely have keyboards in their own language; in general the policy assumes everyone wanting to travel to America has readily available and secure Internet access, and can visit a U.S. government URL
Privacy: How long will DHS store the data? Who will have access to the data?
Cyber Security: Critics say the site better be secure; DHS has had problems before with Web site which collected information but which were poorly secured
