History
Passengers were able to sign up in August 2008, and the travel authorization became mandatory from January 12, 2009. Once pre-screened, passengers may reuse the ESTA approval for two years, although they may still need to complete the I-94W paper form for land entry, or if the electronic system is unavailable.
ESTA adds a requirement for pre-authorization to the existing Visa Waiver Program.
From January 20, 2010 airlines are enforced (through fines) to require ESTA at check in.
Before September 8, 2010 ESTA was available for free from the official government websites. From then, the Travel Promotion Act introduced a charge of $14. This is made of $10 which goes to the Corporation for Travel Promotion and a $4 fee levied by the CBP for administration costs. The EU Ambassador to the United States John Bruton, argued it is illogical to think tourist numbers will go up if they are charged to enter the country The charge has also been described as little more than a way to fund advertisements for United States tourism by critics in the European Parliament.
Read more about this topic: Electronic System For Travel Authorization
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