ESTA stands for the Electronic System of Travel Authorization. The introduction of ESTA has been brought into action for various purposes. The new travel regulations and authorization systems are often brought into action for enhancing the safety measures and eliminating any kind of security risks. And this latest travel regime by the United States of America is also aimed at increasing the security of travelers as well as the borders.
The United States will now use a totally new system that will help in determining the eligibility of the travelers planning on visiting the nation of the United States. It will look after all the biographic information of the individual who has applied to travel overseas. The process will be entirely online that is why the procedure for applying will also be done online.
Photo Credit: ESTA Help
ESTA is not done manually but it is an automated system by the government of the United States that will help in the pre-screening of the visitors. Even though the ESTA will determine the eligibility of the visitor but, 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.
Visitors are advised to apply for ESTA prior to their visit to the nation of the United States. It is suggested you apply for this travel authorization system as soon as you plan your trip. Because the authorities will only consider your application if there’s a minimum gap of 72 hours before your departure and your ESTA application.
ESTA is not a visa, but it is a visa-waiver system. Even after you have a valid ESTA, you will still have to acquire your visa with you. There are a total of 38 countries in the world that are a part of this new visa waiver program. You are only eligible for applying for ESTA if you are a citizen of any of these 38 countries or you belong to the United States.
The application procedure for applying for ESTA is purely online. You will need to give an application fee of just $14 and proceed to your form. You must have a valid passport for applying for ESTA. The form will be used for your biographic information, you will need to fill in your contact details correctly. ESTA is not a visa but you will be required to carry your visa with them while traveling to the United States even after having the latest visa waiver system for travel authorization with you.
ESTA will remain valid for a period of 2 years or until your passport expires, whatever is nearest. But this does not indicate that you can stay in the United States for 2 years, ESTA visa will give you a permit to stay in the United States for a period of 90 days or less. Your ESTA will not be considered valid if your passport expires. You can use your ESTA for staying in the nation for any of these two purposes, that is, business and pleasure.