The United States Of America has made it compulsory for visitors visiting the USA to go through ESTA. ESTA is the Electronic System of Travel Authorization. This automated system is known for defining the eligibility of candidates visiting the USA. These visitors will have to apply for ESTA prior to their trip so that it can process on time.
However, the authorities can not determine the admissibility of a traveler visiting the States on the basis of ESTA application. It can only be determined upon the arrival of the person by the United States customs and border protection officers.
The need for ESTA is only applied to the countries that are a part of the visa waiver program. ESTA countries include Andorra, Australia, Austria,Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Malta, Hungary, Slovakia, Taiwan, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, The Czech Republic, Latvia, South Korea, Norway, Saint Martin, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Estonia, Lithuania, Greece
The purpose of your ESTA application is only to collect the basic biographic information about the traveler and it also answers the Visa Waiver Program eligibility questions. Through this information, the authorities will collect the data about whether or not the purpose of your travel is any kind of threat or is illegal.
To apply for ESTA application you must be eligible under certain criteria that are required. The ESTA application will only be valid if you are a citizen of the United States or at least a part of any Visa Waiver program country. The visitor should not be in possession of a visitor’s visa. You can only go for ESTA if your travel is of 90 days or even less but not more than that.
In order to apply for your Electronic System for Travel Authorization system, a person must have a valid passport from a visa waiver program country. It will also require you to have a credit or a debit card to make a payment. ESTA application will cost you $14. You can also pay through the PayPal account if you have it.
You will get an online application form asking for your basic details, all you have to do is fill in the information but make sure it is the exact information that you filled in your passport otherwise your application will be rejected. The form can also include information about your employment.
The purpose of the introduction of ESTA in the international travel security system is the protection of the borders of the United States. It will help the authorities strengthen the security of travel of the United States under the Visa waiver program.
You are advised to submit your application form before at least 72 hours from your departure. ESTA is not a visa, you will still need a visa to travel the USA even if you have ESTA. ESTA has been in action since the year 2009, January 12th. Once approved the ESTA application will remain valid for two years or until the validity of your passport expires.
