UNITED STATES 12 January 2009 US travel authorization system becomes mandatory

A system introduced by the United States Department of Homeland Security to beef up security of the Visa Waiver Program becomes mandatory on Jan 12. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization requires travelers from VWP countries to receive an ESTA permit before boarding a US-bound airplane or vessel. The system gives DHS agents a way to screen for dangerous travelers before they board. Australia has installed a similar system, and European Union interior ministers meeting in Luxembourg in June said they are considering something similar for people entering Europe.

The VWP countries are: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, orway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom. Jun/08

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EU reaches migrant deal, talks travel, terrorism (Earth Times 5 Jun 2008)
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/210432,eu-reaches-migrants-deal-talks-travel-terrorism--summary.html

DHS ESTA web (after 1 Aug)
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/