As of the 12th of January 2009, International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme are required to register, as a new Homeland Security measure, here;
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov - if you use this site the registration is FREE.
We have been told that there are some sites that are charging up to £50.00 to complete the service but it only takes a few moments and confirmation is almost instantaneous.
Who is required to have a travel authorization?
All passengers traveling under the Visa Waiver Program are required to have an approved travel authorization prior to traveling to the United States by air or sea. Even non-ticketed infants are required to have an approved travel authorization, if they do not have a visa for travel to the United States. An application may be submitted by a third party on behalf of a Visa Waiver Program traveler.
More questions and answers on ESTA can be found by clicking ‘Help’ from their home page.
Here is another great resource site for international visitors coming to the US; http://www.cbp.gov
