dh010447

Hey all,

Read an article about having to register on-line before using the VWP a while back, but attached is a pretty good article from our company travel agency about the whole thing.

brueyh1976

Thank you so much for sharing that with us as it is something that I wasn't even aware of. Have downloaded the PDF article to read in full.

RBN282

This may make life simpler for some people, such as those who aren't sure if they committed a CIMT or if they committed some minor infraction of the immigration rules long ago. They would at least have a clear idea whether or not they would be caught at the POE.
However, traffic through Shannon and Dublin might come down as they are presently the best bets for UK citizens who think they will have problems at the POE.

Alix

Does anyone know what kind of information are you going to be asked for exactly?

Tracym

Interesting, thanks.

I am curious about this part "Once an ESTA application has been successfully completed and submitted online, the application will be queried against appropriate law enforcement databases."

US databases? And/or the databases in the home country?

I'd still think Dublin or Shannon would be a good bet - this new scheme only addresses the criminal element of admission - proof of ties to home country, too frequent visits, etc. etc. would still be dealt with at the POE.

They were quite clear that ESTA does NOT mean you will be admitted.

Tracym

Sounds like the same questions on the I-94, just electronically and in advance. Can't tell for sure though.

newXgate

I suspect it means just US databases, and maybe Interpol ones too. I highly doubt that law enforcement databases in the 27 or so countries that are in the VWP scheme are searchable on demand by the US CBP system.

Tracym

Someone had mentioned the possibility that a UK database could be accessed - I personally have no idea.

Folinskyinla

Hi:

Word of warning -- if one has outstanding UNITED STATES warrants, the authorities will be MORE than happy to let you board and come to the US. Really, no problem in boarding the plane and flying to the US. None at all -- in fact, they WANT such people to come here.

I have a potential client from Canada who cleared PFI Toronto just last week and when he landed at LAX, there were some nice men wearing serge blue uniforms from LAX suboffice of the 77th Precint of LAPD to greet him and offer some free room and board while they inquired if Florida would like to ask for his extradition. When Florida said no, the warrantS were too damn old, LAPD gave him over to some nice people wearing green uniforms from ICE to see what to do.

dh010447

Seems a bit strange that the authorisation will be valid for 2 years. A lot can happen in two years.....

Bladerunner

True, but if they required pre-authorization for every flight, it would be highly inconvenient for business travellers going to meetings at short notice, family emergencies etc. It was a compromise, but some people need to travel spontaniously. Regarding the databases, it will be the US and Interpol I guess. People who have committed minor offenses in EU nations will not be automatically barred (though they may have to apply for a visa).

Tracym

How would the folks with minor offenses be "caught" if they aren't checking the databases of those countries?

RBN282

Yes, but it is also true that B-1/B-2 visas are often issued for 10 years.

Bladerunner

Exactly the same way as they are "caught" now. They are asked to declare any offences.

Tracym

So you believe that if they didn't declare the offenses, they'd never be found out?

Not that I'm advocating it, mind you.