ESTA Application

The ESTA application is an essential step for visitors who wish to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This automated system is designed to determine the eligibility of individuals and grants authorization to travel. However, it is important to note that authorization via ESTA does not guarantee admissibility into the United States. The final decision lies with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers who assess the admissibility of travelers upon their arrival.

To complete the ESTA application, individuals are required to provide their biographic information and answer a series of VWP eligibility questions. This information is crucial in assessing whether a traveler meets the requirements of the program. It is recommended that applicants submit their ESTA applications as soon as they start preparing their travel plans or before purchasing any tickets. This allows for ample time for processing and potential follow-up inquiries if needed.

The ESTA application process is straightforward and can be completed online. It is important to ensure that all information provided is accurate and up-to-date. Any discrepancies or incorrect information can lead to delays or potential denial of entry. Therefore, it is advised to double-check all details before submitting the application.

The ESTA application is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors under the Visa Waiver Program. It is an important step for travelers planning to visit the United States. While authorization via ESTA does not guarantee entry, it is a necessary requirement for individuals who qualify for the VWP. It is recommended to apply early in the travel planning process to allow for ample time for processing and potential follow-up inquiries.

If you happen to create a new email address once you have already applied for the ESTA, then all you need to do is update your new information.

Applicants will be provided with an email stating whether they have been approved or not. Applicants will be required to bring and show the passport that you have used in your ESTA Application at the airport when you board.

Once an ESTA is approved, it is valid for 2 years. However if your passport expires before the 2 year period, your ESTA will automatically expire too. If this happens, then you will be required to re-apply for a new ESTA. Please remember that if you have an approved ESTA, you can only stay in the USA for a maximum of 90 days.

Although the authorised ESTA will allow you to travel to USA, please note that once you arrive you may be asked to provide additional information to the border service officer. Be prepared to answer some questions as they are the ones who decide whether you are able to enter USA or not. However, there has only been very few cases where an applicant with an approved ESTA was rejected from entering USA.

You need to get a new ESTA authorisation if:

•Your application expired

•You get a new passport

•If your forename or your surname has changed

•If you change genders

•If your country of citizen becomes different

•If you are convicted of a crime

Yes. Even if you are only transiting through USA on your way to another destination you need to apply for ESTA. Any carrier that is bound for USA can deny your boarding if you do not have ESTA approval.

All visitors be obligated to have the passport with a machine-readable section on the biographic page. Only electronic passports with a chip containing biometric information about the passport holder are allowed. If you have and old passport type, you must renew it or apply for a visitor (B1/B2) visa in advance.

All children must apply for an ESTA. Each passenger requires to obtain their own independent ESTA including children at any age.

Yes, you can apply for an ESTA at any time that is convenient for you before your travel. The US residence data such as the address within the USA or travel plans are not mandatory but are simply recommended. If you plan to stay in multiples addresses in USA, please enter first address only.

Officially you do not need to present a printed copy of ESTA before the travel. Please note that some airlines may ask you to show your authorised ESTA application.

A new program called Automated Passport Control (APC) is developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It is easy for use. In a dedicated APC kiosk in the passport control area, travellers can directly scan their passport, take a photograph and answer the CBP verifying questions. Then a CPB officer will finalize all inspection process after the traveller will present their passport and receipt.

The attacks of 9/11 had shattered the States and the entire world had felt the ripples for a long time thereafter. The US Department Of Homeland Security introduced ESTA and made it compulsory to avoid exposing the States to undesirable citizens falling under VWP.

The Homeland Security Secretary was confident in stating that this additional security screening will not hinder or restrict lawful trade, commerce or tourism in any way. The intent of implementing this screening procedure was to minutely filter out the people who could pose potential risk to the States.

There are a total of 39 countries that fall under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom are the counties whose citizens are eligible for a visa-free entry into the United States.

ESTA does not guarantee unrestricted entry into the States. It simply implies that a person is eligible to travel to U.S. The final decision is made by the US Customs and Border Protection Officer at the point of entry regarding eligibility.