From January 12 2009 British citizens and travellers from other countries who are eligible to travel to the US under its visa waiver programme will have to apply online for permission before travelling.

The newly introduced Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) replaces the traditional written form and allows travellers to enter the US without a visa and to stay for up to 90 days.

The authorisations remain valid for up to two years or until the applicants passport expires.

Initially there will be no fee for the service but discussions are underway to decide whether or not to introduce one as time goes on.

The UK and 26 other countries have now been joined by the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia on the list of countries allowed to take part in the visa waiver programme.