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Blog on ESTA visa waiver news and updates

Is an ESTA required when flying on a private jet?

Updated: Jul 26, 2023 | Tags: ESTA Requirements, ESTA Data Privacy, Airport Security

In the world of global travel, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) serves as an essential facilitator, particularly for visitors intending to fly to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. While ESTA is familiar for commercial air travelers, its implications for those opting for private jets or charter planes are less well-known. In this article, we explore how using an ESTA…

What countries have been banned or removed from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program?

Updated: Jun 07, 2023 | Tags: Travel Restrictions, ESTA Eligibility

Since its inception in 1986, the U.S. Government’s Visa Waiver Program has allowed foreign nationals from over 41 countries to visit the United States without needing to apply for a visa. The program allows travelers to visit the U.S. for a period up to and including 90 days for tourism or business reasons. At the same time, it provides advance information that allows law enforcement and border security…

What British Passports can be used for an ESTA application?

Updated: Mar 16, 2023 | Tags: ESTA Passport, ESTA Eligibility

This article reviews the different types of British Passports and shares which ones are eligible to apply for ESTA. What British Passports are eligible to apply for ESTA? The United Kingdom is a country that primarily comprises the territories of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Regardless of where a citizen of the United Kingdom was born, raised or lives, they are considered a British…

Why visiting Cuba will result in the cancelation of your ESTA

Updated: Feb 11, 2023 | Tags: ESTA Denied, ESTA Eligibility

Cuba is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history that attracts travelers from across the world. However, if you are planning to visit Cuba, be aware that your ESTA will be canceled. The US government has certain travel restrictions in place for persons seeking to enter after visiting Cuba. This is because Cuba was designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the U.S. State Department on…

What is TSA pre?

Updated: Dec 13, 2022 | Tags: Airport Security, ESTA Processing

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,…

What is Mobile Passport Control (MPC)?

Updated: Nov 09, 2022 | Tags: ESTA Passport, Airport Security

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 not yet in compliance to join the Visa Waiver Program

Updated: Feb 02, 2023 | Tags: Visa Waiver Program, ESTA Eligibility

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…

What is Automated Passport Control (APC)?

Updated: Oct 10, 2022 | Tags: APC, Airport Security, ESTA Eligibility

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…

What is the SENTRI program?

Updated: Sep 01, 2022 | Tags: SENTRI, ESTA Experience

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…

What is the Global Entry Program?

Updated: Aug 01, 2022 | Tags: ESTA Experience, Global Entry

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…