CHANGES TO US PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS FROM 1 JULY 2009

The USA has announced some changes to its passport requirements for visa-free travel to the USA from 1 July 2009.  The changes only affect holders of temporary passports (green cover).  Full Irish passports (with a wine-coloured cover) are not affected by these changes.  It is your responsiblity to ensure your passport meets the US requirements if you wish to travel without a visa to the USA. 

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

ESTA is an electronic registration system requiring travellers who are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to register in advance of travelling to the USA. The ESTA programme began on a voluntary basis on 1 August 2008. Mandatory registration will come into force as of 12 January 2009.

Visa Waiver travellers should register through the Department of Homeland Security website at the following address: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

Registration is free and may be done by third parties e.g. travel agencies.

ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, and once approved, generally will be valid for up to two years or until the applicant's passport expires, whichever comes first.

Authorisations will be valid for multiple entries into the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that ESTA applications be submitted as soon as an applicant begins making travel plans and at least 72 hours in advance of travel.

An applicant who does not receive authorisation to travel will need to go to their nearest U.S. Diplomatic or Consular Mission and apply for a visa.

An ESTA approval does not determine admissibility into the United States. The final decision for entry to the United States rests with US immigration authorities at the port of entry.

The ESTA programme does not apply to Irish citizens who are holders of a visa for the United States.

For more information on ESTA, please visit http://www.cbp.gov/ESTA