Are you planning to fly to the United States soon? While most of us are unsure on what will be the effects of the impending Brexit come October 31, securing an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation or ESTA will make you feel more relaxed and at ease.
Now you might ask “What is ESTA?” ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. It was created to intensify security measures and ensure the safety of visitors travelling to the United States of America (US). The ESTA online authorisation process is, in layman’s term, a screening procedure that analyses traveller information and determines eligibility to travel to the U.S. under this programme. Only citizens of the 38 Visa Waiver Program countries should apply for an ESTA.
In order to be eligible for ESTA, you must comply with the Visa Waiver Program Requirements. Your reason for travel must not fall in any of the following: Employment, Study, Journalism or Residency. You are also required to buy a round trip ticket not exceeding the allowable 90 days.
In order to gain confidence or lessen the burden, you may apply via the ESTA application website. They provide everything you need – from important information to resources to help you get the ESTA. The website also provides answered to the frequently asked questions and concerns. Every application is reviewed carefully to check errors and other elements that might be a cause of delay or worse, rejection. All you have to do is fill out the ESTA application and you can start from there. Live chat and email support is also online 24/7.
Typically, application is processed within 24 hours as soon as all the forms are filled out and all the requirements are provided. The ESTA expired after two years. However, if your passport will expire within that time period, you will need to renew it again.
Just keep in mind that having your ESTA doesn’t guarantee admission to the United States of America. The Customs and Border Protection officer is the one who will determine. Make sure you have a printed copy with you as they can ask for this anytime.
For more information, just visit the ESTA application website.