United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the launch of a pilot program to automate the arrival/departure form (Form I-94W) for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers from Auckland, New Zealand to Los Angeles International Airport. The pilot program eliminates the need for VWP travelers with approved travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to fill out a paper I-94W form. The program will be tested only on Air New Zealand flight #6 starting November 12, 2009. The testing period will be thirty days. CBP is the United States government agency responsible for securing the nations borders. CBP is the agency responsible for enforcement of United States immigration laws when aliens attempt to enter the United States. The Visa Waiver Program allows travelers from certain countries to visit the United States for business, pleasure, or transit for a maximum duration of 90 days without the need to acquire a visitors visa. Form I-94W is the Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure Form. Presentation of the form is required for admission to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA program is an online system that provides prescreening of potential VWP travelers. The program became a mandatory requirement for VWP travelers on January 12, 2009. VWP travelers must obtain travel authorization through the ESTA program prior to embarking on travels to the United States on the VWP. Link to Full Article CBP Launches Pilot Program to Automate Arrival Form (Nov. 10, 2009)
