Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan - All travellers under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) must beginning January 12 obtain authorisation through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (Esta), including Bruneians, before travelling to the United States.

Travellers without an approved travel authorisation may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or denied admission at a US port of entry, a statement from the US Embassy in Brunei said yesterday.

Authorisation can be obtained, without a fee, via the Department of Homeland Security's Esta website at http://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

Esta is an automated system which determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the US under the VWP. It analyses the details of the applicants through a series of VWP eligibility questions to determine if such travel could pose any law enforcement or security risks.

Travellers who had their Esta application denied will be directed to the Department of Homeland Security's Travel Redress Inquiry Programme website. Another option would be to re-apply through Esta after a period of 10 days.

If the Esta application is still not approved, travellers would be required to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the US Embassy.

While it is permitted for a third party, such as a relative or travel agent to submit an Esta on behalf of a VWP traveller, the US Embassy would like to alert VWP travellers on unauthorised third party websites which charges the applicants for information about Esta, and submitting Esta applications on behalf of the travellers.

These businesses are not endorsed by, associated with, or affiliated in any way with the Department of Homeland Security or the US Government. Use of a private service to apply for travel authorisation via Esta will not expedite the granting of approval.

A total of 35 countries' nationals are currently eligible to travel to the US under the VWP, including Brunei, Australia, Italy, Japan, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for travel authorisation as early as possible, however, last-minute applications or emergency travel will be accommodated.

The travel authorisations are generally valid for two years or until expiration of the passport, and are usually determined on the status of eligibility for travel.

Those with current and valid visas to travel to the US need not apply for travel authorisation through Esta. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times