USA ESTA requirements
What is ESTA?
ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization and is an automated system used by the US government to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The VWP allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for business or pleasure without obtaining a visa.
The ESTA application must be completed online prior to travelling and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It is important to note that an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the US, as this decision is made by Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry.
USA ESTA Requirements
In order to be eligible for an ESTA, applicants must meet certain criteria. These include: being a citizen of one of the 38 countries participating in the VWP; having a valid passport from one of these countries; having a return ticket; and not having any criminal convictions.
In addition, applicants must also provide personal information such as name, address, date of birth, passport number and contact details. They must also answer questions about their health, employment status and travel plans.
How to Apply for USA ESTA
Applying for an ESTA is quick and easy. All applications must be submitted online via USA ESTA. Applicants will need to provide their personal information as well as answer questions about their health, employment status and travel plans.
Once all required information has been provided, applicants will receive an email notification with their application status within 72 hours. If approved, they will receive an electronic travel authorization which they can print out and present at the port of entry when entering the US.
Fees & Processing Times
The fee for applying for an ESTA is $14 USD per person. Applications are usually processed within 72 hours but it can take up to 4 weeks in some cases.
It is important to note that if your application is denied, you will not be refunded the fee. Therefore it is important to ensure that all information provided on your application is accurate and up-to-date.