ESTA OUTREACH EFFORTS

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 000919 DEPARTMENT FOR CA/P SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CVIS CMGT KPAO DJ SUBJECT: ESTA OUTREACH EFFORTS REF: STATE 118460 ¶1. SUMMARY. Djibouti has conducted two ESTA outreach efforts. The first effort, in July 2008, was through diplomatic notes to consuls and honorary consuls for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) eligible countries. The second effort was an information session open to consuls, honorary consuls, travel agents, and GODJ immigration and law enforcement officials. END SUMMARY. ¶2. Post initiated outreach through a diplomatic note on July 24, ¶2008. The note contained information about the new ESTA program, roll-out dates, and web links for additional program information. ¶3. On November 16, 2008, fourteen people from the travel industry, Djiboutian immigration officials, and the consuls and honorary consuls of VWP-eligible countries attended an hour-long ESTA information, question, and answer session hosted by the PAO/Conoff. The session was conducted at the Chief of Mission residence in the Embassy compound. ¶4. COMMENT. Airlines and travel companies expressed concern that the guidance provided by CBP and the Department was vague and did not adequately address who bore financial liability in the event a passenger was denied entry to the U.S. Both groups expressed concern that they would become responsible for verifying whether passengers had submitted an electronic authorization but had not been given adequate means to do so. END COMMENT. SWAN