Important changes regarding USA Visa Waiver Program

Starting 12 January 2009 the US government is implementing new regulation for travelers into the United States; within
 the Visa Waiver Program: de ESTA-programm (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). ESTA is a automated
system which is being used to determine if travelers without visa can enter the United States, and if the visit maybe a.
a be a security risk. The questions in the program can be compared with  the questions stated on the entry/depart form I94
which should be filled in before entering the US.  

Travelers should receive electronically approval for visa free entry before departure to the United States. Which is possible
any time as soon the trip has been booked. It is advisable to do so as soon as possible, at least 72 hours before departure.
ESTA will give authorization to enter the US in most cases immediately, however it is also be possible that the ESTA will
give clearance after 72 hours or more. When the ESTA is not given an approval, the passenger needs to request for a full
visa to enter the United States via the embassy. 

The clearance to enter the US will be granted for two (2) years; or until the expiration date of the passport if it lies prior to the
expiration date of the clearance. During the clearance the passenger will may enter the United States repeatingly, the data
regarding flight details, date of entering and departure the United States should be updated at the ESTA website.
 
As of 12 January 2009 the I-94 form will expire, and only the ESTA aproved entries are allowed. Please be advised.
 
Besides the ESTA program the APIS-program (Advanced Passenger Information System) will exist. This program covers the
regulations about the information the passenger should provide the airline during check-inn.

More information about ESTA can be found on the website of U.S. Customs and Border Protection