US online travel system 'safe'

Officials have said that a new online service being introduced next year which allows British travellers to enter the USA is secure, it has been reported.

The new Electronic System for Travel Authorisation will be compulsory for all passengers flying into America from countries which do not require visas.

Explaining the new system at the US Embassy in London, experts insisted that the online service will protect people's privacy and help to speed up entry into the States, according to the BBC.

Michael Restovich, the US Department of Homeland Security attache, told the news broadcaster: "All the privacy concerns have been addressed and safeguards put in place to ensure that only people who need to see the information do so."

The system, which will be enforced from January 12th 2009, will eliminate the need for Brits to fill in forms while in-flight and then hand them to customs officials.

Travellers will be able to move within the US for up to two years before their online application runs out.

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