How To: Travel to the US under the new 9/11 regulations

The US government passed a new law with additional security regulations for all countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. It has not yet been decided, however, when the new law will take effect.

THE NEW REGULATIONS IN DETAIL:

* A new electronic travel authorization system (ETA) will collect personal data from travelers under the VWP. The Department of Homeland Security will use this data to detect possible threats and determine whether travelers may enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program.

* Passengers submit their ETA applications for example via the internet and will be notified quickly whether they may travel under the Visa Waiver Program. Passengers who are not eligible for visa-free travel will be referred to their local US consulate to apply for a visa.

* The DHS will determine the validity of the electronic travel authorization - not more than three years - and the fee - probably a nominal price.

Please note: an electronic travel authorization is not a visa!

ACCORDING TO THE NEW REGULATIONS, VWP COUNTRIES MUST

* immediately report theft or loss of passports via Interpol or by other means

* forward passenger information in order to help determine whether passengers travel to US represent a security risk and accept repatriation for any citizen no later than three weeks after the final removal order has been issued

The new regulations sets additional security standards for new VWP candidates - airport security, a program for security guards on the planes, certain standards for passports/travel documents and extensive cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Over the next two years, the Department of Homeland Security will also determine whether the current participates in the Visa Waiver Program meet security requirements.

For further information, please refer to your local embassy website.