The Department of Homeland Security issued a 60-day notice and request for comments on revisions to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for Visa Waiver Program travelers. Specifically, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is amending the ESTA application to change social media collection from optional to mandatory. CBP also will begin collecting biometric data for identity confirmation on ESTA applications. ESTA applicants will be prompted to take a selfie or "live" photo "to conduct a 'liveness' test to determine if the ESTA application is interfacing with a physically present human being and not an inanimate object, or if it is a photo of someone other than the lawful passport holder." Respondents will be able to scan their passport biographic page to submit biographic information, including passport photos.
CBP will also implement the ESTA mobile application for Visa Waiver Program travelers. The mobile app will collect biometric data.
Details:
- "Arrival and Departure Record, Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure, Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)," 60-day notice and request for comments; revision, 86 Fed. Reg. 64508 (Nov. 18, 2021), https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-11-18/pdf/2021-25147.pdf
- ESTA application, https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.