ESTA Resources

The U.S. Department of State recently announced that all American consulates have now been authorized to forgo the in-person interviews that were normally required, provided the employment visa applicant meets a number of specific criteria. The amended rule applies to applications for temporary employment visas in the following categories: Q, P, O, L, H-4, H-3, and H-1. The revised regulations aim…

On a recent visit to Washington D.C., Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was optimistic his country may soon me added to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The Israeli Prime Minister was meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding Israel’s admission into the program. The two leaders were in agreement over the intent to admin Israel into the program. What is the Visa Waiver Program? The…

Since the new American President arrived in the White House a year ago, he and his team have taken several steps to undo the immigration-related restrictions introduced by his predecessor. The list includes plans to admit more refugees, not applying the notorious 'public charge' system that prevents immigrants who could possibly use public benefits such as Medicaid from getting green cards, and protecting…

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions have been lifted Effective from 12:01 am Eastern Daylight Time on May 12, 2023, foreign individuals traveling on nonimmigrant visas or ESTA are no longer required to demonstrate that they have received a full course of an approved COVID-19 vaccine before boarding an aircraft bound for the United States. To provide some historical context, initial COVID-19 testing rules…

After a travel ban that lasted more than 18 months, the United States has opened its borders for fully vaccinated travelers from Mexico, Canada, the EU, South Africa, Iran, China, India, and Brazil. The only requirements are that they have to show proof of vaccination and a negative Covid-19 test. The new system came into operation on Monday, November 8 2021. This follows an announcement about two…

The United States has finally, after nearly 18 months, decided to remove its travel ban and ease restrictions on arrivals from the EU and the UK. In terms of the revised rules, travelers from the UK who are fully vaccinated will now once again be able to travel to the US for leisure and/or business purposes. This comes after the United Kingdom terminated its 'traffic light' system earlier in October.…

The White House announced on Monday, September 20, 2021, that it plans to reopen its borders to fully vaccinated airline passengers from 33 nations early in November. The list includes most European, ESTA eligible nations, as well as Brazil, China, and 5 other countries. Although unvaccinated individuals will no doubt be unhappy with the announcement, it was nevertheless widely welcomed because it…

Duty-free shopping offers international travelers the opportunity to purchase goods without paying the local import taxes or duties that would normally apply. In the United States, duty-free shops are commonly found in international airports, border towns, and cruise ship ports. Understanding how duty-free shopping works in the U.S., including what can be purchased, the limits on duty-free allowances,…

Traveling by airplane can be a daunting experience, especially when you need to bring a medical device. For those planning a trip to the United States, understanding the regulations and preparing adequately can make the journey smoother and more comfortable. This article provides a detailed guide on how to travel with a medical device to the U.S. by air, covering pre-flight preparations, security procedures,…

As the United States withdraws from Afghanistan and Afghans attempt to flee the Taliban, the chaotic scenes at Kabul airport focus on what the United States can do to assist their Afghan allies in leaving. Much discussion has centered on the SIV (Special Immigrant Visa) program. Congress created this program in 2009 to support Afghan translators and others who had worked with U.S. forces during the…