On September 10, 2015, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (‘CBP’) launched a redesigned website for VISA WAIVER PROGRAM (VWP) visitors to apply for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States.
The VWP is administrated by the Department of Homeland Security (‘DHS’) and enables citizens or nationals of 38 designed countries to travel the United States for tourism or business supposes without first obtaining a visa, as long as the intended stay is for 90 days or less. All VWP travelers are required to have an approved ESTA prior to boarding in a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP.