Online Subscription, Compulsory for Flying to the U.S.

Flight security has become increasingly important worldwide, but the concerns of the United States regarding this matter really lead to practical solutions. All citizens from the countries that have joined the Visa Waiver Program would have to get the thumbs up from the Department of Homeland Security before embarking for the U.S.

And, since we are in the 21st century, there's no need to wait in line in order to fill in all the necessary forms. People who want to travel to the U.S. and to stay there for 90 days or less without a visa have to fill in an online application that is meant to establish their eligibility or ineligibility in terms of flying over to the U.S. For a period of two months, the forms will be displayed so that people become accustomed with them. Starting with October, people will be able to also fill in the forms if they so desire, but subscription is not compulsory by January 12, 2009.

From then on, those who will not obey the stipulations of the Department of Security will not have the possibility of traveling to the U.S. anymore. The travel authorization is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires. In order to get their authorization approved, people must answer correctly to all questions regarding their health, and terrorist or espionage precedents. The forms must be filled in at least 72 hours before traveling, so that officials have enough time to verify the answers and decide on the response. Travelers who receive a positive answer do not get 100% guaranteed access into the United States, as airports have some particular rules as well.

From the 27 countries that take part in the program, 15 are from Europe, but many other member states of the European Union are not included in the Visa Waiver Program. The situation is sufficiently tense because, while NATO is expanding to the East, benefits for the countries that partner with the U.S. are not that significant when it comes to social inclusion.