As of last week, individuals who are permitted to travel to the US without a visa (on the visa waiver program) must register with the Department of Homeland Security using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Previously, ESTA had been largely voluntary.
The ESTA questionnaire collects the same information as the previous paper application (I-94W), and there is no fee involved. Normally, travel is approved immediately, although some ineligible travelers will be notified to apply for a visa at the local US consulate. Pre-registration is good for 2 years and can be renewed online.
The ESTA system is online only, so unplugged travelers will require assistance from wired friends, family, or, most likely, travel agents. Some observers expect other countries to make life more difficult for US travelers in the future, as retribution for increasingly onerous entry requirements.
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