The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has proposed to update the application of the Electronic travel authorization System (ESTA) to include the obligation of travelers to provide a selfie.
ESTA is an electronic program that requires all foreigners who can enter the United States under the visa Waiver program to register. The system aims to make travel safer and to issue permits faster for those who are allowed to enter without a visa.
However, as the system is currently being updated, CBP says that additional changes could be made to align the application process and the requirements of the esta website and the VisaGuide Mobile esta applicants.Global reports.
In its proposal, the CBP said the authority intends to update the ESTA application to force applicants to provide a selfie in addition to their passport photo, according to the Miami Herald.
According to CBP, these photos can be used to ensure that the person submitting the application is the rightful owner of the document used to obtain the esta authorization.
CBP intends to update the esta application website to require applicants to provide a photo of their face or “selfie” in addition to the photo on the biographical page of the passport. These photos would be used to ensure that the applicant is the rightful holder of the document that was used to obtain the esta authorization.
United States Customs and Border Protection
Third parties Can still submit an application on behalf of esta applicants
Although it has been proposed to make such changes, CBP stressed that applicants are still allowed to ask third parties to apply for ESTA on their behalf.
However, as the Miami Herald notes, the update would oblige third parties, be they travel agencies or family members, to always present a photo of the person to whom the authorization is given.
Currently, applicants are allowed to ask a third party to apply for ESTA on their behalf. While this update does not remove this option, third parties such as travel agencies or family members will be required to provide a photo of the esta applicant.
United States Customs and Border Protection
The ESTA mobile app currently requires all participants to take a live photo of their face. This photo is then compared with the photo collected by the authorities during the application process for esta Mobile.
By adding the requirement to provide a selfie in addition to the others, CBP realizes that the processes between the website and the mobile app should be coordinated.
The CBP’s proposal will now be open for comments for a period of 30 days from the date of submission of the proposal. If they are approved, new rules will apply.
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