Showing Articles for "ESTA"

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) provides travelers with the option to travel visa-free to the United States using a streamlined and automated process. An ESTA can be used by travelers arriving to America by land, air or by sea. It permits stays of up to 90 days and is issued for a period of two years, or the date of passport expiry. An alternative form of travel authorization…

Introduction Brand USA, which is a marketing organization that is funded by the ESTA, sees a way forward with passing a senate bill to extend its funding over the next few years. Brand USA is a mixed public/private organization that acts as the travel marketing arm of the United States. It has been involved in an ongoing struggle to prove that it plays a vital role in travel to the United States and…

Introduction On November 6th 2019, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Polish passport holders will be able to apply for ESTA starting today, November 11th 2019. Poland will be the first country admitted to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) since 2014, when Chile was admitted. Poland will be the 39th country admitted to the Visa Waiver Program since its creation in 1986. An…

Transiting through the U.S. can be beneficial to travelers looking to book more convenient or lower cost airfare on route to their final destination. Travelers from one of the Visa Waiver Program countries can use an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for such transit purposes. If an ESTA transit application is denied or travelers are ineligible for ESTA, as an alternative they can apply…

Can you get an ESTA with previous criminal arrests or convictions? Applying for an ESTA with a Criminal Record Yes, an ESTA can be obtained with a criminal record, however getting an ESTA approved will depend on the nature of the crime, the age of the offender at the time as well as the date the crime took place. No matter where the crime occurred in the world,…

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…

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? …

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…