The US has set January 12 for the compulsory online registration of travellers under the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization scheme, known as ESTA.
ESTA is the latest security clampdown by the US, which will eventually aid business and leisure travellers by eliminating the need to complete the I-94 document used by the vast majority of people entering the States.
However, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security in Washington confirmed that the I-94 would not automatically disappear on January 12, as the ESTA system has to be married to each individual airline flying to the States.
”Initially, there will be an overlap period as we change to a system where we can convey information to airlines, but ESTA will be mandatory,” she said.
No deadline has been given for the scrapping of the I-94.
”We can”t give a ballpark figure,” the spokeswoman admitted.
Authorities claim to have ironed out glitches in its new system that went live last week on a voluntary basis. A fault that barred anyone from registering who had a passport with more than 10 years validity has now been fixed.
ESTA lasts for two years and has the advantage that travellers do not need to change their destination information each time they visit the US, as this is covered by the APIS system. Last-minute travellers will be able to get ESTAs at airports, but are advised to apply at least 72 hours in advance.
Officials stress that in an emergency, approval can be granted very quickly.
Gary Noakes