Visa waiver program moves to online form

LONDON - New rules went into effect yesterday requiring people traveling to the United States under the visa waiver program to register online in advance, instead of filling out paper forms in flight or at the airport.

The new program, designed to improve US security, has been voluntary since August, but became mandatory yesterday. Travelers are being asked to fill out the forms at least 72 hours in advance of travel.

There were no signs of confusion yesterday as the new system was implemented at Heathrow Airport's sprawling Terminal 5 in London - the departure point for many US-bound flights.

"I knew about it because my travel agent told me, so I had already taken care of it online," said Jo English as she checked in.

The rules cover citizens of 35 countries - from nations in Europe and Asia, to Australia and New Zealand - who don't require a visa to enter the country.

Derwood Staeben, US consul general in London, said nearly all applications would be approved in less than 10 seconds. He said travelers would not be required to give any more information than is already requested on paper immigration forms, which are being replaced.

"The important change is that we're automating the existing process and requiring it to be done in advance," he said. "The response time is generally about four seconds."

Travelers filling out the online form will be told whether their request is authorized, denied or pending, he said. Those whose forms are marked "pending" must check back in 72 hours to see if they have been approved.

People whose application is denied must apply to the US Consulate for a visa, he said.

The US Homeland Security Department said in a statement that it will take a reasonable approach to travelers who have not obtained an approved travel authorization, but warned that travelers without authorization do risk being delayed or denied entry to the United States.

There is no fee for the service, he said, and the travel authorization is valid for two years. He warned that unscrupulous operators of some websites are charging fees for this service, which is designed to be free of charge.

People can apply for travel authorization at any time, and Staeben said about 14,000 applications per day are being received.