Privacy Statements

AUTHORITY:

Collection of the information solicited on this form is authorized by Title 8 of the United States Code, whether or not codified. Specifically, Section 711 "Modernization of the Visa Waiver Program" of the "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007" ("9/11 Act") (110 PL 53) modifies the visa waiver program under section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1187) to authorize this collection of information. The Secretary of Homeland Security is authorized to create the electronic travel authorization system and require aliens under the program to "electronically provide to the system biographical information and such other information as the Secretary of Homeland Security shall determine necessary." (8 U.S.C. 1187(a)(11) as amended by 110 PL 53 sec. 711(d)). Collection of this information is mandatory for people from Visa Waiver Program countries who wish to travel to the United States.

PURPOSE:

The primary purpose for soliciting this information is "to determine the eligibility of, and whether there exists a law enforcement or security risk in permitting, the alien to travel to the United States. Upon review of such biographical information, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall determine whether the alien is eligible to travel to the United States under the program." 8 U.S.C. 1187(a)(11).

ROUTINE USES:

The information solicited on this form may be made available as a "routine use" to other government agencies to assist the Department of Homeland Security in making determinations about the alien's eligibility to travel without a visa and for law enforcement and administration purposes. The information may be made available to the Department of State in the event the application is not approved, so that a determination can be made for issuance of a visa. Finally, the information may be made available to the carrier for verification of authorization to travel. A complete list of the routine uses can be found in the system of records notice associated with this form, "Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Border Protection - DHS/CBP-009 Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) System of Records."

CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION:

Providing this information is not legally required to gain admission to the United States. However, aliens traveling without an electronic travel authorization will require a visa to gain admission to the United States.