Please ensure that your passport meets all current US travel entry conditions which includes ; being machine readable; having more than 6 months validity after your date of actual return; contains at least 2 clear and unmarked/stamped passport changes; the name on the passport matches your travel document name.

From the 1st August 2008 the US Department of indexland Security (DHS) has introduced an electronic system for travel authorisation (ESTA). The purpose of this is to provide the US Border authority with your full information and identity details BEFORE starting travel to the US.

At the moment registration on this scheme remains voluntary for travellers under the visa waiver programme, (tourists and travellers from UK etc).

 However on the 12th January 2009 ESTA becomes compulsory in that all travellers under the visa waiver programme, must, before travel apply for and receive approval for travel to the USA BEFORE they set off. 

After 12th January 2009 failure to obtain authorisation under this scheme will mean that boarding your carrier will be denied (at UK airport!).

Registration is advised not less than 72 hours before travel and authorisation is expected to be instant (over the internet).

 Approval does not guarantee entry at the border to the USA but seems to be a system for prior authorisation to travel.

Approval will last for 2 years, changes of name, status, passport etc must be advised as a renewal of authorisation will be required.

 In due course (but not announced yet,) it may mean the completion of the green    I-94 VWP form on the airplane is removed. But this is not yet the case

The web site iswww.CBP.gov/travel    or www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/