On 09 June 2008 the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published an interim final rule requiring all travellers using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to obtain travel authorisation in advance of their trip to the United States through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization program (ESTA). When ESTA is implemented, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be better able to determine whether the VWP traveller poses a law enforcement or security risk before the traveller is present in the United States. DHS anticipates that ESTA implementation will become mandatory no later than 12 January 2009. Comments on the interim rule will be accepted until 08 August 2008. Individuals and employers of individuals from VWP countries should closely review this interim rule to make sure they fully understand these new requirements and take action to ensure that future travel to the United States is not hindered due to a failure to obtain advance travel authorisation.

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Blank Rome Maritime www.BlankRomeMaritime.com For Additional Information If you have any questions about the Visa Waiver Program, the US-VISIT program, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or any other issue regarding travel into the United States, please contact: Jon Waldron Waldron@BlankRome.com 202.772.5964 Cherylle C. Corpuz Corpuz@BlankRome.com 215-569-5617 Manuela Morais Morais@BlankRome.com 215-569-5357 Lisa Felix Felix@BlankRome.com 215-569-5419