The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required to travel to the United States since 2009. In this article, I will tell you in a few words everything you need to know about this document.
What is an ESTA for?
ESTA is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), a document that allows you to travel to the United States as tourists. It is supposed to improve the security of air and naval traffic. It’s not a visa but a travel authorization for eligible nationals of VWP countries.
Who need to fill out an ESTA authorization?
ESTA is a document that must be requested by any citizen of a country that has signed the Visa Waiver Program agreement with the USA for a stay (business or pleasure) of less than 90 days.
See the list of countries that have signed the agreement
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brunei
Chile
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Portugal
Republic of Malta
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan[1]
United Kingdom
NOTE: British citizens only with the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.
[1] With respect to all references to “country” or “countries” in this document, it should be noted that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that “[w]henever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan.” 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b)(1). Accordingly, all references to “country” or “countries” in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation, Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1187, are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States’ one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.
If you are a citizen of another country, I recommend that you check the conditions of entry to the United States with the US Embassy or Consulate in your country.
How to apply for an ESTA?
It is a very simple procedure, all you have to do is visit the ESTA official website: www.esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
You must follow the steps as indicated on the official page. If you have a question, you will find a series of frequently asked questions at the end of the page.
Before asking for the ESTA, you need:
– your valid passport issued by one of the countries listed above,
– a valid credit card ((MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover (JCB, Diners Club)) or PayPal) to pay $21 per application
– your personal information
– information about your most recent employment, if applicable.
Important information
– You can apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before departing to the US (I recommend that you do it at least one month in advance),
– When your ESTA is approved, this is valid for multiple entries to the United States for two years or until your passport expires.
– A person who has obtained a new passport has to process another ESTA and pay $21 again.
– The traveler who enters the United States by land does not need to apply for an ESTA,
– Be careful when filling out the application on the internet. You have to make sure you are on the official page without making any mistakes (nor lying). Indicate the information as it appears in your passport (names, date of birth, etc.).
I repeat, it is important that you do the procedure on the official website of the ESTA. Many companies and websites allow you to process your ESTA but charge amounts much higher than $21. They look like scams, so please only process your ESTA on the official website.
Update of ESTA conditions since 2016
The international situation had changed drastically by 2015, and the US reinforced the conditions for obtaining the ESTA. It is part of the Terrorist Prevention Act of 2015 (The Act), signed on December 18, 2015. These are the main changes:
– As of April 1, 2016, all travelers eligible for an ESTA must have an electronic passport to use the VWP.
– Some travelers are no longer eligible to travel or to be admitted to the USA under the VWP: nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries who have traveled or been in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, and Syria on or after March 1, 2011 (with exceptions of people who have been in these countries for military, diplomatic reasons, journalists, workers of humanitarian organizations, businesses); and nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan.
The American government is notifying people who fell under this update..
Travelers who are no longer eligible to apply for the ESTA must complete the necessary requirements to obtain a nonimmigrant visa at the US Embassy or Consulate sufficiently in advance of their travel dates.
Internet site to request the visa: www.esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
Additional information: www.esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/#HELP
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The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to travel to the USA
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