The ESTA authorization (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a travel permit system that allows citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to travel to the United States for tourism, business, or transit without a visa. ESTA is required for entry into the USA by air or sea and is valid for two years or until the applicant's passport expires, whichever comes first.
How ESTA Works
1. Verification of Travel Authorization: ESTA checks applicant information against various security databases to determine if their entry into the USA is a security risk.
2. Simplifying Travel: Although ESTA is not a visa, its approval allows citizens of VWP countries to travel to the USA for short periods without the need for a more complex visa process.
3. Two-Year Validity: Once approved, the ESTA authorization is usually valid for two years. During this time, the applicant can enter the USA multiple times, provided each stay does not exceed 90 days.
How and Where to Apply for ESTA
ESTA applications are submitted electronically:
1. Official Website: The only official source for submitting an ESTA application is the website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, specifically the Travel Authorization Division (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/).
2. Authorized 3rd parties: If travelers need assistance with the application, they can use the services of Authorized Agents, such as https://ta.us.com, https://esta.usagov.pl, https://esta.usagov.cz and https://esta.usagov.sk/ to obtain the ESTA travel authorization along with additional services.
3. Information Needed for Application: Applicants must provide personal details, passport information, and answer security questions.
4. Payment of Fee: The process also includes the payment of an administrative fee.
After filling out and submitting the online form, the processing is usually quick, and most applications are approved or denied within a few minutes to hours. ESTA represents an important component of U.S. security policy and offers travelers from VWP countries a more convenient option to visit the United States.
