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DHS/USCBP RIN: 1651-AA72 Publication ID: Fall 2015 
Title: Changes to the Visa Waiver Program To Implement the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Program 
Abstract:

On June 9, 2008, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued an interim final rule which implemented the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for aliens who travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) at air or sea ports of entry. Under the rule, VWP travelers must provide certain biographical information to CBP electronically before departing for the United States. This advance information allows CBP to determine before their departure whether these travelers are eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP and whether such travel poses a security risk. The interim final rule also fulfilled the requirements of section 711 of the Implementing recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (9/11 Act). In addition to fulfilling a statutory mandate, the rule served the two goals of promoting border security and legitimate travel to the United States. By modernizing the VWP, the ESTA increases national security and provides for greater efficiencies in the screening of international travelers by allowing for vetting of subjects of potential interest well before boarding, thereby reducing traveler delays at the ports of entry.

 
Agency: Department of Homeland Security(DHS)  Priority: Economically Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions 
Major: Yes  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 8 CFR 217.5   
Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103    8 U.S.C. 1187   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Interim Final Action  06/09/2008  73 FR 32440   
Interim Final Rule Effective  08/08/2008    
Interim Final Rule Comment Period End  08/08/2008    
Notice--Announcing Date Rule Becomes Mandatory  11/13/2008  73 FR 67354   
Final Rule  06/08/2015  80 FR 32267   
Final Rule Effective  07/08/2015 
Additional Information: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
International Impacts: This regulatory action will be likely to have international trade and investment effects, or otherwise be of international interest.
RIN Information URL: www.regulations.gov   Public Comment URL: www.regulations.gov  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Related RINs: Related to 1651-AA83 
Agency Contact:
Suzanne Shepherd
Director, Electronic System for Travel Authorization
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.,
Washington, DC 20229
Phone:202 344-2073
Email: suzanne.m.shepherd@cbp.dhs.gov