Starting on January 12th 2009, every French traveller will need to ask for an authorization online. This will replace the I-94 form traditionally filled out in planes.

The Electronic System of Travel Authorization, is already operational on a voluntary basis : https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

Travellers are currently required to fill in forms on board transatlantic flights, which are handed to immigration officials when they land. But from January 12 next year, the Department of Homeland Security wants this information in advance to check its blacklists for terrorists or anyone considered ‘undesirable’. It will require answering questions about criminal records, communicable diseases, past history of visa revocation or deportation, and basic biographical data such as name, birth date and passport information. Changes in address and itinerary can be easily made online after the ESTA form has been first submitted. The travel authorization will be good for two years or until the applicant’s passport expires Twenty-two countries in Europe and five in the Asia-Pacific region are currently included in the visa waiver program.