Beginning August 1, 2008, the
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be
accessible via Internet for citizens and eligible nationals of Visa
Waiver Program (VWP) countries to apply for advance authorization
to travel to the United States under the VWP.
ESTA will initially be
available in English only. Other languages will follow. Effective
January 12, 2009, all VWP travelers will be required to obtain an
electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier to
travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the
VWP.
From: http://singapore.usembassy.gov/
Log onto the ESTA Web site at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
and complete an on-line application in English. Travelers are
encouraged to apply early. The web-based system will prompt you to
answer basic biographical and eligibility questions typically
requested on a paper I-94W form.
Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel,
however, DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than
72 hours prior to travel. In most cases you will receive a response
within seconds:
1. Authorization Approved: Travel authorized.
2. Travel Not Authorized: Traveler must obtain a nonimmigrant
visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before traveling to the
U.S.
3. Authorization Pending: Traveler will need to check the ESTA
Web site for updates within 72 hours to receive a final
response.
An approved travel authorization via ESTA is:
• Required for all VWP travelers prior to boarding a carrier to
travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP beginning January
12, 2009;
• Valid, unless revoked, for up to two years or until the
traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first;
• Valid for multiple entries into the U.S. As future trips are
planned, or if an applicant’s destination addresses or itineraries
change after their authorization has been approved, they may easily
update that information through the ESTA Web site;