(日本語)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Aug. 1 initiated its Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a new online system that is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The ESTA web-based system is now open for voluntary applications but becomes mandatory on Jan. 12, 2009. Once ESTA is mandatory, all nationals or citizens of VWP countries who plan to travel to the United States for 90 days or less for temporary business or pleasure under the VWP will need to receive an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship.

Please note:

• A Japanese-language version of the ESTA website is available. All the answers should be provided in English.
• You can E-mail CBP for inquiries, questions or comments about the program.

Important links:

• Apply online for ESTA authorization
• Step-by-step guide to ESTA procedures (PDF)
• FAQ from Tokyo Consular Section
• ESTA information on CBP.gov
• Embassy Tokyo press release (June 4)

ESTA ADVISORY STATEMENT Beginning January 12, 2009, all nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will be required by law to obtain a travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States under the VWP. This authorization may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a free Internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through a U.S. government Web site. DHS does not charge VWP travelers a fee for completion of an ESTA application. Eligible visitors seeking to travel to the United States under the VWP may apply for travel authorization via the ESTA Web site at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. VWP travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established Web sites, which charge visitors seeking to travel to the United States under the VWP, for information about ESTA and for submitting ESTA applications to DHS on behalf of the traveler. These businesses and Web sites are not endorsed by, associated with, or affiliated in any way with DHS or the United States Government. Again, the United States Government does not charge a fee to obtain information about, apply for, or obtain a travel authorization through the ESTA Web site. Use of a private service to apply for travel authorization via ESTA will not expedite the granting of approval. The ESTA application Web site is available in 16 languages and includes a help section that provides additional information for VWP travelers to guide them through the application process. Additional information about ESTA may be found at http://www.cbp.gov/esta.