Electronic Travel Authority: Us Passport's Power Explained

The US passport is not an electronic travel authority (eTA) in itself, but since 2007, the default passport issued has been an e-passport or electronic passport, which has an RFID chip embedded in the back cover. This chip stores the same data as that displayed on the passport's data page, including the holder's full name, date of birth, place of birth, date of issue, and expiration date. It also contains a biometric identifier in the form of a digital image of the passport photo, which facilitates the use of facial recognition technology at ports of entry. The US E-passport is designed to facilitate travel by allowing automated identity verification, faster immigration inspections, and greater border protection and security.

US e-Passports

An e-Passport or Electronic Passport was the default passport issued in the US from August 2007 through 2021. Since 2021, the Next Generation Passport has replaced the original e-passport as the standard-issue travel document. E-passports have an RFID chip embedded in the back cover of the travel document. The chip stores the same data as that which is displayed on the passport's data page, including the holder's name, date of birth, place of birth, date the passport was issued, expiration date, and a biometric identifier in the form of a digital image of the passport photo. The chip also has a unique identification number and a digital signature to protect the stored data from alteration.

The electronic passport facilitates travel by allowing automated identity verification, faster immigration inspections, and greater border protection and security. As a security measure, Congress has legislated that all countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program with the United States must issue passports with integrated circuits (chips) to permit the storage of at least a digital image of the passport photograph for use with face recognition technology. The US is doing so on a reciprocal basis and will comply with the latest international standards established for secure travel documents.

The United States requires that travelers entering the country under the Visa Waiver Program have an e-Passport if their passport was issued on or after October 26, 2006. The inspection process for an e-Passport holder is the same as for a non-e-Passport holder. When arriving at US ports of entry, e-Passport holders will be directed by signage or personnel to the appropriate US Customs and Border Protection booth.

The benefits of an e-Passport include secure identification of the traveler, protection against identity theft, and making it difficult to alter the document for use in gaining admission to the United States. The biographic and biometric data contained in the electronic chip can be compared to both the traveler and the travel document being presented, and there are multiple layers of security in the e-Passport process that prevent duplication.

US Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. The program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department. There are currently 42 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, including the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, and the Republic of Korea.

To be eligible for the VWP, travellers must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel. ESTA is a web-based system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that determines eligibility to travel to the U.S. under the VWP. It collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions. ESTA applications are recommended to be submitted before purchasing airline tickets. It is important to note that ESTA approval does not guarantee entry into the United States, as the Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon arrival.

Another requirement for the VWP is to have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the planned departure from the United States and must have a machine-readable zone on the biographic page. Since April 1, 2016, travellers must have an e-Passport to use the VWP. An e-Passport is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip containing biometric information about the owner. It is identified by a unique international symbol on the cover.

The Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 outlines certain categories of travellers who are no longer eligible for the VWP and must obtain a visa prior to travelling to the United States. These include nationals of VWP countries who have travelled to or been present in specified countries, such as Cuba, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, after specified dates.

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for Australia

An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an electronically stored authority that serves as an equivalent to a visa and is linked to a passport number. The ETA allows eligible passport holders to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. It is valid for one year or the life of the passport, whichever is shorter, and allows multiple entries into Australia with a maximum stay of three months per visit.

The ETA application process involves downloading the Australian ETA app, which is available on Apple or Android devices. Applicants must meet all ETA eligibility requirements and are required to submit their passport information, including a copy of the biodata page, as well as supporting documents. These supporting documents include information about the purpose of the visit, evidence of travel arrangements, and personal details of family members and contacts in Australia.

It is recommended that applicants submit their ETA applications at least four weeks in advance of their intended travel date. The Australian ETA app incurs a non-refundable service fee of $20.

It is important to note that ETAs are designed for short-term stays and do not permit work in Australia or repeated extended visits for other purposes. If an individual's passport has changed, they will need to apply for a new ETA.

ETA for Canada

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required for most travellers seeking to enter Canada by air. This includes visa-exempt foreign nationals, who are not systematically screened for admissibility until they arrive at a Canadian airport. The eTA is electronically linked to the traveller's passport and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

The eTA costs CAD $7 and can be applied for online through the official Government of Canada website. Applicants must have a valid passport, a credit or debit card, and an email address. The approval is usually granted within minutes, but some requests may take several days if supporting documents are required. It is recommended to obtain an eTA before booking a flight to Canada.

US citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement and can travel to Canada with a valid US passport. Lawful permanent residents of the US are also exempt but must carry official proof of status and a valid passport from their country of nationality.

The eTA allows travellers to visit Canada multiple times, usually for short stays of up to six months at a time. It is important to note that an eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada, as a border services officer will make the final determination upon arrival.

ETA for the UK

From 8 January 2025, US citizens travelling to the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to travel. This applies to US citizens transiting through or travelling to the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences, or short-term study for up to 6 months.

The ETA costs £10 to apply for and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA.

You can apply for an ETA online or via the UK ETA app. Each person travelling will need a separate ETA application. It is best to apply early, although applications are usually processed within 3 working days.

An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. You will still need to either see a Border Force officer or use an ePassport gate if you are eligible.

Frequently asked questions