RESPONDING TO JAPANESE INQUIRIES ABOUT

UNCLAS STATE 002714 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CVIS PREL JA SUBJECT: RESPONDING TO JAPANESE INQUIRIES ABOUT MODERNIZATION OF THE VISA WAIVER PROGRAM REF: 07 TOKYO 5398 ¶1. (SBU) As detailed in reftel, the Government of Japan (GOJ) recently submitted to Embassy Tokyo a range of questions about the upcoming Modernization of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). After consulting with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about the GOJ's requests, we have drafted and cleared the following points for dissemination to GOJ interlocutors. BEGIN TALKING POINTS: -- The "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007" -- the 9/11 Act -- introduces security enhancements for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) that will apply immediately to new VWP countries and will be phased in for current VWP members. These enhancements will provide a more secure international travel environment and help facilitate the movement of legitimate travelers. -- An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system will collect basic passenger biographic information which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will use to assess potential threats and determine passengers' eligibility to travel under the VWP. -- This ETA system will be based on a similar model that is in place in Australia. -- DHS is in the process of finalizing the data elements that will be required under the ETA system. -- Before traveling, passengers will submit ETA applications via Internet, and in most cases, will be told quickly whether their application has been approved. Passengers who are refused an ETA will be referred to a U.S. consulate to apply for a visa. -- We understand that DHS will recommend that travelers submit their information no later than 72 hours in advance of their travel, but that there will be a mechanism in place to process last-minute submissions. -- DHS will set the duration of the ETA approval, up to a maximum validity of three years, and its cost is expected to be nominal. -- I understand your concern that large numbers of travelers could be refused an ETA under the system and required to apply for visas in person. I will communicate your concerns back to DHS. -- However, we understand that DHS is working to implement the system in such a way that limits, to the maximum extent possible, the number of travelers who will be required to apply for visas. -- DHS remains engaged in an ongoing process to determine how to implement this initiative, so I would like to emphasize to you that the details I have told you today are subject to change. ¶2. (SBU) It is important to note that DHS is in charge of this program and will control its development. Although these points have been cleared by DHS for dissemination to GOJ officials, it is critical that you emphasize in your interactions with GOJ officials that details of the program's implentation have not been officially announced, and as a result this information remains subject to change. No further information on the details of the program will be made available until development of the program is completed. RICE