Full implementation of the Visa Waiver Programme delayed

Full implementation of the US Customs and Border Protection ESTA Visa Waiver Programme has been delayed by up to a year to allow airlines and the public more time to comply with the scheme. The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) - is an online version of the I-94 Green Card, which is currently completed by passengers on inbound flights. ESTA went live in January as planned, but all travellers from the 35 visa waiver countries are still required to fill in the I-94 for the time being. It has been reported that compliance rates have been good at around 87%, but the report acknowledged some travellers are still preparing to fly without having completed the online authorisation form. Most airlines still also need to update their systems to comply with the scheme, the carriers need to be able to validate whether a Visa Waiver Programme traveller has an ESTA or not. A definative has not been set as yet but could take until January 2010 to complete the transition. Once it is in full effect, the I-94 Green Card will be discontinued and travellers risk being turned away at immigration if an ESTA form has not been completed