4. What are the specific changes to the VWP?

Under the Act, travelers in the following categories are no longer eligible to travel or be admitted to the United States under the VWP:

• Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions).
• Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

These restrictions do not apply to VWP travelers whose presence in Iraq, Syria, Iran, or Sudan was to perform military service in the armed forces of a program country, or in order to carry out official duties as a full-time employee of the government of a program country. These military and official government services exceptions, however, do not apply to the dual national restriction.

Travelers who are known to fall into the dual national category noted above will receive notice via email on or about January 21, 2016 that their current ESTA is no longer valid.

The Act also requires that all VWP travelers use an electronic passport for travel to the United States by April 1, 2016. Finally, the Act includes other changes to the VWP to promote enhanced information sharing of terrorism and criminal data, and use of INTERPOL databases and notices for border screening purposes.

The vast majority of VWP eligible travelers will not be affected by the legislation.

5. When will travelers who have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria be notified?

CBP is working on implementing that as soon as possible, and will notify those affected directly.

6. How will CBP inform travelers their ESTAs were revoked? What email/contact information will CBP use?

Travelers who have their ESTAs revoked will be contacted via the email address they provided as part of the ESTA application. Any traveler who receives notification that they are no longer eligible to participate in the VWP may still travel to the United States with a valid nonimmigrant visa issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The new law does not ban travel or admission to the United States with a valid visa.

7. Is CBP revoking all valid ESTAs?

No, CBP will only revoke ESTAs for a relatively small number of individuals who are known to no longer be eligible for travel under the VWP due to the new restrictions. Restrictions for travel under the VWP will still apply to those with travel to Iran, Iraq, Syria and Sudan on or after March 1, 2011.