Immigration Law

Pilot Program for Travelers on Flight 6

By Robert Kraft

On November 12, 2009, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched a 30 day pilot program to test the entry process for travelers under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) from Auckland, New Zealand to Los Angeles International Airport. The program automates the arrival/departure of travelers with an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for travelers on Air New Zealand Flight 6. Travelers on this flight will not need to fill out the paper I-94W.
 
The VWP allows nationals from VWP countries to fill out an ESTA application prior to traveling to the United States to determine the traveler's eligibility and whether such travel poses a security risk. The ESTA application provides basic biographical, travel, and eligibility information and must be submitted online prior to traveling. There are currently 35 countries eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP. Travelers under this program may enter the U.S. for either business or tourism for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.
 
To view the list of VWP countries please visit the CBP website at www.cbp.gov.

Full post as published by Immigration Law Answers Blog on November 18, 2009 (boomark / email).