ESTA Resources

The coronavirus pandemic halted all but essential travel, but as we return to normal, airports are busier than ever. While it is exciting to be planning trips once more, there is an aspect that can be annoying - security screening. Removing your belt, jacket and shoes, in addition to unpacking your hand luggage, is the last thing you want to have to worry about before boarding your flight. Luckily,…

If you have travelled internationally lately, you may have noticed signs for “Mobile Passport” while passing through United States Customs and Border Protection. These queues tend to be shorter than typical passport line queues. Can you queue in the Mobile Passport line rather than wait in the very long one to have your passport checked? Yes, you can with Mobile Passport Control. It is a good option…

Israel has long sought entry into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which would allow its citizens to travel to the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa by using an ESTA. Israel was thought to be in compliance to join the VWP. However, last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has said Israel has failed to come into compliance with a few of the necessary…

On October 12, 2022, the DHS (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) said in an announcement that, after consulting with the DOL (U.S. Department of Labor), it plans to issue a regulation that will add another 64,716 H-2B non-agricultural worker visas to the usual number of 66,000 that are normally issued during a fiscal year. Why is DHS wanting to process more work visa requests? By making such a…

In their ongoing efforts to better manage the increasing numbers of travelers at U.S. airports, CBP and airport authorities collaborated a few years ago to launch the APC (Automated Passport Control) program. This innovative technology aims to expedite the traveler inspection process by providing Automated Passport Control (APC) self-service kiosks where passengers can submit their biographic information…

SENTRI, or if one prefers the full name, The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers’ Rapid Inspection, is a U.S. program run by the CBP (Customs and Border Protection). The main objective of this program is to facilitate rapid clearance upon their arrival in the U.S. for low-risk travelers who have already been pre-approved. The program allows participants to enter the country at southern land border…

The Global Entry Program has been created by the CBP (the US Customs and Border Protection and permits pre-approved travelers expedited clearance on their arrival in the USA. Members of the program enter the USA via automated kiosks at specified airports. At the airport, members of the Global Entry program proceed to the automatic kiosks, where they must present a machine-readable passport or US green…

This article provides information to readers on what NEXUS is, its many benefits, and how to apply for the program. NEXUS can be used by visitors arriving in the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. An application for an ESTA or U.S. visa can be submitted before or after applying for NEXUS as the processes are independent from one another. Using NEXUS with an approved ESTA can expedite a traveler's…

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has proposed a number of changes to enhancing the security screening procedures of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is used for issuing travel authorizations for eligible visitors of the Visa Waiver Program. How does CBP typically propose changes for the ESTA? Typically, when CBP wishes to fund enhancements for their technology,…

On April 7th 2022, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) revised the requirements for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers entering the United States by land. When will ESTA be required for Visa Waiver Program travelers entering by land? Starting October 1st 2022, all travelers entering the United States by air, sea and now land, will need to be in possession of an approved ESTA prior to be allowing…