The following is an excerpt from a bulletin from the U.S. Travel Association:

As you may know, beginning today all travelers from the 34 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will be required to provide biographic information online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to coming to the U.S.

Modeled after a successful Australian program, ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of VWP visitors to travel to the United States and assess any security risk. The program is a relatively simple and effective way to strengthen U.S. security, while at the same time helping to preserve and expand the valuable VWP.

Information required through ESTA mirrors the data travelers already submit through the I-94W paper form currently filled out upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry; however, it simplifies the process by allowing visitors to complete the form online prior to arrival.

While the ESTA program has great potential, U.S. Travel has significant communications and implementation concerns, which have been provided to the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Travel hosted a conference call last week for communicators from travel organizations with key international marketing efforts to hear directly from officials at the Office of Customs and Border Protection on the steps our government is taking to communicate the new requirements around the world.

The links below are a toolkit for our members and the industry as a whole to help communicate the new ESTA requirements and our industry's position. Included in the toolkit are the following:

ESTA Overview
Talking Points to help you and your representatives explain the program
Q & A to provide greater detail on the program and its importance
PowerPoint showing the ESTA experience for users

You can assist in spreading the word about this new requirement by sharing this information with as many others as possible. Please also remember to share the information with your colleagues and representatives around the world so they may assist in getting accurate information to travelers.

As always, thank you for your involvement and support.

Best regards,

Roger Dow
President and CEO
U.S. Travel Association