QF Transfer at LAX

[Andrew M]

Yeh I thought it was mandatory after the 12th of January

I wonder how many people are goign to get caught out by this!

[Ryan K]

Thanks everyone for your responses, it's been a great help.

Cheers.

Ryan.

[Tom Lohdan]

Originally Posted by David Ramsay

Prior to 12 January 2009 it is not mandatory, or indeed even required. However after that date it is.

From the US Department of Homeland Security Website

That has to be wrong for the following reasons:

1. Website still states: It is anticipated that ESTA will become mandatory for VWP travelers from current VWP member countries on January 12, 2009and for VWP travelers from newly admitted VWP countries in mid-November 2008. Learn more about ESTA on the DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. Review the Interim Final Rule on the DHS main website. Link

2. Regulations.gov has submissions dated 8th of the 11th, while the PDF is published 6th of the 11th. Nothing on Regulations.gov approves it.Link


3. You might be confused with the VWP travelers from newly admitted VWP countries in mid-November 2008.

Interesting to note the 6th of the 9th comment (sorry for caps, quoted)

SHUT DOWN ALL VISAS. IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS AGENCY IS GIVING OUT
VISAS WHEN IT HAS ABSOLUTELY NO PROGRAM IN PLACE TO TELL THAT
VISA VISITORS GO HOME WHEN THEY SHOULD. THE PROGRAM IS OUT OF
CONTROL. AMERICAN HAS HORDES OF VISA HOLDERS HERE ILLEGALLY.
IT IS CLEAR THAT MUCH MORE MONEY NEEDS TO BE COLLECTED FROM
VISITORS HERE TO COVER THE COSTS OF DEPORTING THE ONES WHO
SHOULD NOT BE HERE AT ALL BECAUSE THEY DID NOT LEAVE WHEN
THEY SAID THEY WOULD.

I AM SICK OF AMERICAN TAXPAYERS BEING HOUNDED FOR MONEY FROM
THEIR WALLETS TO PAY FOR THESE LEECHES, THESE SNEAKS. THIS
AGENCY IS NOT DOING THE JOB.

UNTIL THE AGENCY GETS HOLD OF ITS JOB, NO VISAS SHOULD BE
ISSUED AT ALL.

OUR GOVERNMETN IS TRAITOROUS TO AMERICAN SECURITY WITH THESE
VISAS.

[David Ramsay]

I'm not confused at all, Tom.

Following press release is now on DHS website.

Release Date: November 13, 2008

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today that beginning Jan. 12, 2009, eligible citizens or nationals from all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States under the VWP.

The full press release can be found here

[Tom Lohdan]

Release Date: November 13, 2008

Sorry David, didn't catch the news of yesterday.

Just did a 3 day trip MEL-LAX.

Looks like W is cementing his plans before the change over and Chertoff given the boot.