The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has proposed to update the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) app to include a requirement for travelers to provide a selfie.
ESTA is an electronic program that requires all foreigners who can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program to register. The system is aimed at making travel more secure and issuing authorizations for those who are permitted visa-free entry faster.
However, according to CBP, since the system is currently undergoing an update, additional changes could be implemented to align the application process and requirements of the ESTA website and ESTA Mobile applicants, VisaGuide.World reports.
In its proposal, CBP said that the authority intends to update the ESTA application to require applicants to provide a selfie in addition to their passport photo, Miami Herald explains.
According to CBP, these photos can be used to ensure that the person who is applying is the rightful possessor of the document that is used to obtain ESTA authorization.
CBP intends to update the ESTA application website to require applicants to provide a photograph of their face, or “selfie”, in addition to the photo of the passport biographical page. These photos would be used to ensure that the applicant is the rightful possessor of the document being used to obtain ESTA authorization.
Third Parties Will Still Be Able to Apply on Behalf of Applicants for ESTA
Despite proposing to make such changes, CBP stressed that applicants will still continue to be permitted to have third parties apply for ESTA on their behalf.
However, as the Miami Herald notes, the update would require the third parties, whether they are travel agents or family members, to provide still a picture of the person who will be issued the authorization.
Currently, applicants are allowed to have a third party apply for ESTA on their behalf. While this update would not remove that option, third parties, such as travel agents or family members, would be required to provide a photograph of the ESTA applicant.
At the moment, the ESTA Mobile application requires all applicants to take a live photo of their face. This photo is then compared with the one that has been collected by the authorities during the ESTA Mobile application process.
By adding the requirement to provide a selfie in addition to the others, CBP notes that they want to align the processes between the website and the mobile application.
The proposal made by CBP will now be open for comments for a period of 30 days from the date when the proposal was made. If approved, new rules will start to apply.