ESTA Resources

Introduction Since 2008, the security of the VWP (Visa Waiver Program) has been enhanced by the introduction of ESTA, which enables the CBP (U.S Customs and Border Protection) to vet prospective travelers to see if they pose a security risk before they board a carrier bound for the United States. ESTA acts as a counterbalance to the vulnerabilities and risks presented by visa-free travel with an extra…

Healthcare Requirements for U.S. Immigrants President Trump has signed a declaration that will require immigrants to prove they have sufficient financial resources to pay for any health requirements or provide themselves with private medical insurance within 30 days of entering the U.S. the new rules are set to come into force on November 3rd 2019 and will not apply to those already in the U.S. The…

Introduction An applicant’s communicable disease history forms one question of the nine eligibility questions on the ESTA form that are designed to assist the CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) to assess whether you present a security risk to the United States. The first question you are required to answer is whether you are suffering from a physical or mental health disorder; this includes…

Introduction Visa waiver eligible U.S. bound travelers can apply for an ESTA before booking transport or hotel accommodation. Exact travel dates and accommodation details are not required at the time of submitting an application, although providing such information may aid in the processing of a traveler’s application. Should I apply for an ESTA before booking my itinerary? …

Introduction The US State Department has announced that the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, popularly known as the Visa Lottery, is set to go ahead for 2021. 55,000 people and their families from all over the world will be given the chance to achieve a green card and legally immigrate to the USA. the lucky winners are chosen by a process of random selection and it is completely free to register…

ESTA is a convenient travel authorization for business travelers visiting the United States that can be used by individuals who hold a passport from a visa waiver member country. An ESTA can be used for a variety of business activities such as attending job interviews, business-related research activities, consulting with business associates, traveling for a scientific, educational, professional or…

Introduction Recent changes to the processing of ESTA applications have resulted in increased processing timelines at Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Virtually, all ESTA applications are decided upon within 72 hours. Although instant decisions are still common, many decisions now are delivered via email, sometime in between a few hours or a few days after an application has been submitted. Applicants…

Introduction Polish citizens wishing to travel to the United States are not currently eligible to apply for an ESTA visa waiver, but this could soon be set to change. Last week U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, visiting Poland to commemorate the outbreak of WWll 80 years ago, said on Monday that he was delighted that the country was close to being able to join the USA Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The…

Every year, millions of people apply for a visa to enter the United States. Applying for a US visa can be a challenging process and making just a small mistake can mean that your visa will be delayed or even denied. It’s essential to make sure that you keep yourself well-informed about any changes to the rules regarding US visa and ESTA applications, for instance, making sure that you apply for the…

Introduction An ESTA can be used for multiple entries into the United States. However, approved ESTA applicants should be aware that Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has the right to deny any traveler admission at the U.S. border. Thus, if the CBP officer is led to believe that an ESTA applicant is abusing the conditions of the Visa Waiver Program, then the CBP border officials would have the…