Feds Warn about Travel Authorization Scams
Travel Weekly, 11/13/2008
The Department of Homeland Security has warned that unauthorized third parties have established websites seeking to charge Visa Waiver Program travelers for electronic travel authorization.
One of the unauthorized sites, www.esta.us, advertises a $49.95 application fee.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) becomes a mandatory program on Jan. 12. The system purports to verify whether travelers from VWP nations pose a law enforcement or security risk. Travelers fill out applications for free at ESTA's website.
Use of a private service to apply for travel authorization via ESTA will not expedite the granting of approval, said the DHS.
DHS recommends that U.S.-bound travelers apply for travel authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure. Each approved ESTA application is valid for two years.
In addition to electronic authorization, VWP travelers also must have a biometric passport.
The Department of Homeland Security recently added seven countries to the VWP list: Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia. Beginning Nov. 17, eligible citizens or nationals from these countries may travel to the U.S. without a visa if they have a biometric passport and electronic authorization.
With those additions, there will be 34 VWP nations.