There is a new procedure that relates to non-US citizens traveling to the US under the Visa Waver Program. Effective January 2009, visitors to the US under the Visa Waver Program must complete an online registration before traveling to the US.
“Department of Homeland Security began accepting Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) applications on August 1, 2008 ESTA is a free, automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. It collects the same information as the paper I-94W form that VWP travelers currently fill out en route to the United States. ESTA applications may be completed online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. An ESTA authorization generally will be valid for up to two years. Authorizations will be valid for multiple entries into the United States. DHS recommends that ESTA applications be submitted as soon as an applicant begins making travel plans. ESTA is now mandatory for VWP travelers who are nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Republic of Korea, and the Slovak Republic. Effective January 12, 2009, all VWP travelers will be required to obtain an authorization via ESTA before traveling to the United States. Learn more about ESTA on the DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.”