Entering without a computer

The visa waiver program makes it relatively easy for citizens of certain (mostly developed) countries to enter the United States without a visa (see map above). Travelers simply fill out a paper form on the airplane before deplaning and, assuming they have a valid passport and are eligible for entry, are admitted to the United States.

Under a new rule promulgated in June, however, travelers wishing to use the visa waiver program will be required to submit certain personal data electronically prior to entering the US on the waiver program. Those who wish to do so may start using the online program voluntarily by accessing the ESTA website. The rule is subject to comment, but is expected to become mandatory in January 2009. More details are available here, although it’s not clear how potential visa waiver travelers without access to a computer or the internet are to fulfill the registration requirement.

image courtesy of Wikipedia, public domain