The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online screening portion of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It is used by travelers as they enter the United States as it helps prevent ineligible travelers from entering the country, and provides real-time access to important travel information.
ESTA is required for travelers who are eligible under the VWP and who plan to travel to the United States either by air or sea and will be staying in the US for up to 90 days. That said, it’s not necessarily a visa, but works similarly. To apply, travelers must fill out a form with a few basic personal, security, and travel related questions.
Once a person has successfully completed the form and submitted it for authorization, many applications receive an authorization within one to two minutes. If the application is approved, the authorization will typically be valid for up to two years, although travelers must check their ESTA confirmation to make sure.
The information collected from ESTA applications is used to determine whether a person is eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP. The information is also shared with CBP, DHS, as well as any other US government agencies responsible for controlling US borders.
In order to be eligible under the VWP, travelers must meet specific requirements related to citizenship and must have a valid electronic passport. They must also have a valid travel authorization to enter the United States. Without an ESTA, travelers will not be allowed to board their plane, Cruise ship, or other vessel.
Since travel authorization is required for those under the VWP, it is important to understand the importance and need of obtaining an ESTA. The application process is quick, easy, and generally painless. Travelers simply need to fill out a form on the DHS website with their corresponding information, and wait for a response. Depending on the individual’s country and other eligibility requirements, the response can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few days.
Travelers under the VWP ultimately face severe consequences if they fail to obtain an ESTA or enter the United States without proper authorization. This could lead to heavy fines, or the inability to obtain a visa for the United States in the future.
Overall, Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an important and necessary part of the process for those traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Applying for an ESTA is easy and fast, and allows travelers to quickly obtain authorization to do so. It also prevents travelers who are ineligible due to citizenship or other requirements from entering the United States. Understanding the importance of an ESTA is key for those who plan to travel to the US under the VWP.
