United States (US) authorities have enforced a US$14 charge on US-bound passengers applying for the Electric System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) from 36 Visa Waiver Programme countries, including Brunei, as of today.
The US Department of State's website said: "Effective September 8, all ESTA applications or renewals on or after that date will require a $14 fee payment by credit or debit card."
The website explained that existing ESTA registrations remain valid through their expiration date.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security's website, ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP).
"The ESTA application collects the same information collected on Form I-94W. ESTA applications may be submitted at anytime prior to travel, though it is recommended travellers apply when they begin preparing travel plans," it said.
Since January 20, the Department of Homeland Security has been transitioning to enforce compliance to ESTA requirement for VWP travellers. "Therefore, VWP travellers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the US."
The Brunei Times
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
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