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Citizens of countries under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is now required starting August 1 2008 to register online for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) -as recently announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

DHS will begin accepting applications via a secure Internet site on August 1, and will require visitors to use the Internet system beginning January 12, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said. The move will help U.S. authorities vet foreign visitors, he said.

The requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens traveling overseas.

The announcement is the latest change to the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens of 27 countries - most of them European countries that are strong U.S. allies - to travel to the U.S. without a visa. Currently, citizens from VWP countries complete a written form providing basic biographical, travel and eligibility information while en route to the U.S. and submit the forms to border officials on arrival.

CNN has a full report.