Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a new Internet-based automated system developed to enhance the security of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). ESTA will verify an individual’s eligibility to travel to the United States without a visa and determine if an individual poses a security risk. It will also help streamline the entry process for foreign travelers by allowing DHS to discontinue use of the paper I-94 form at ports of entry. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a U.S. visa. There are 34 countries* as of November, 2008 that participate in the VWP (including the addition of seven countries in 2008).

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*These countries currently participate in the Visa Waiver Program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom

Countries added in 2008: Republic of Korea (South Korea), the Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia