Commencing from 12 January 2009, the entrance requirements applicable to passengers bound for the United States of America are to be altered.

The US Department of Homeland Security has tightened the security measures applicable to visitors to the USA. The new security measures will come into force on 12 January 2009.

The entrance requirements have been tightened; these requirements have been laid down in a new Act, on the basis of which a procedure has been drawn up, listing the steps visitors have to take to comply with the ne security measures.

New security measures:

• From 12 January 2009 onwards, all airlines are obliged to forward the personal particulars of passengers bound for the USA to the immigration service.
• Homeland Security wants to know in advance where every single passenger intends to spend their first night in the USA. The data required comprises the street name, number, ZIP code, state and telephone number, which have to be forwarded prior to departure.
• In the event that a passenger fails to provide this data in advance, he or she will not be permitted to board the aircraft. The reason is that the US immigration service will not permit such persons to enter the country under any circumstances whatsoever.

These measures are to replace the previously applicable method whereby passengers completed a Visa Waiver Program form aboard the aircraft. ESTA, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is to replace the on-board completion of a form. Until further notice please note that you will still need to fill in the Visa Waiver Program form which you will receive during your flight on board the aircraft.

In order to comply with the new conditions, airlines will therefore require passengers bound for the USA to supply the aforementioned data when checking in.

From 12 January 2009 onwards, you will therefore be obliged to forward the required data to the airline by Internet. It should be clear that it is absolutely essential that you forward this data in time. The form to be completed can be downloaded using the following link . It is advisable to apply for authorisation at least 72 hours in advance. Your data will naturally be treated as highly confidential and will not be used for commercial purposes.

Procedure:

1. Download the application form.
2. Complete and submit the application.
3. You will be allocated an application number.
4. Save this number carefully.
5. You will later be informed whether your application has been accepted.

If in any doubt, please contact the US embassy or consulate.

We trust to have been of service to you in supplying this information. You are naturally welcome to approach us with any further queries you may have.