Passports & Visas

With no sign of a let up in attempted terrorist attacks on airliners, airlines and airport authorities are accelerating the rollout of new detection systems, in particular devices to detect guns, knives, bombs and bomb making equipment.

The latest device is the full body scanner. Unlike the conventional metal detector screens that have been in use at all airports for a number of years now, full body scanners produce a virtual 3D image of the passenger.

In June 2008, the US Department of Homeland Security announced some changes to the current Visa Waiver Program; a pre-travel authorisation process for visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries, known as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

From August 2008 visitors to the USA from visa waiver countries who do not hold a valid visa have to register online before making their trip to the USA. This registration effectively replaces the green I-94W form that visa waiver visitors have to fill in on the plane or boat before landing in the US. From September 8, 2010 there is a $14 application fee.

On January 23, 2007 the United States Government started to implement the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) as part of a policy to strengthen US borders which resulted in new passport regulations for US citizens.

This new initiative ultimately requires that all travellers to and from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Bermuda and the Caribbean present a passport (or other accepted documents, namely a Merchant Mariner Document or NEXUS Air card) when entering or re-entering the United States. This includes children.