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Top landmarks to visit in the United States

Updated: Oct 22, 2022 | Tags: ESTA for Tourism, ESTA for Business

The United States has many renowned landmarks that offer visitors insight into the history and culture of the country. Here are some of the landmarks travelers should consider when visiting the United States. As always, international travelers are advised to regularly check travel restrictions on their local U.S. embassy website for the latest information. The…

Traveling to the U.S. while pregnant

Updated: Aug 25, 2023 | Tags: ESTA Requirements, USA Visa Restrictions, USA Immigration

Visa restrictions can make it harder for pregnant women to enter the United States Some recent U.S. policies have made it difficult for foreign nationals traveling to the United States during pregnancy to gain “birth right citizenship” for their child. According to figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10,000 babies were…

How do DHS and CBP use APIS?

Updated: Aug 25, 2023 | Tags: Border Security, ESTA Requirements

APIS is the Advance Passenger Information System, a pre-departure requirement allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to review passenger’s information. Passenger data undergoes security checks before they are allowed to board their flights entering or leaving the U.S. APIS is also used for commercial shipping or sailing to or from the U.S. APIS, together with Passenger Name Record…

Applying for an ESTA if you have recently changed names or gotten married

Updated: Aug 25, 2023 | Tags: Post-Dated Passport, ESTA Eligibility, ESTA Passport

Introduction Newly-wed travelers who plan on visiting the United States using an ESTA should be aware how changing names or getting married can affect how they complete their application, specifically if a traveler has changed their name or is awaiting a new passport. The following article provides information on applying for ESTA online with a post-dated passport…

Potential Improvements for the ESTA

Updated: Oct 23, 2022 | Tags: ESTA Improvements, ESTA Application, ESTA Processing

The ESTA has been around for over a decade. During this period, the system has undergone a number of changes which have enhanced its security, usability and accessibility. Notably, there have been recent changes to the layout of the form. For example, it underwent a redesign to a be mobile responsive website, with additional security related questions in 2019. There are also some changes…

Data accuracy considerations when applying for an ESTA

Updated: Aug 25, 2023 | Tags: Mistake on ESTA, ESTA Application

Introduction Travelers are gaining more awareness regarding online data collection practices of airlines, hotels, governments and other entities involved in providing travel related services. Many travelers now book hotels and other services using pseudo-names, aliases and other intentionally inaccurate data to gain a greater sense of privacy over their own personal information. However,…

Passport eligibility questions and answers on the ESTA application

Updated: Aug 25, 2023 | Tags: ESTA Eligibility, ESTA Passport, ESTA Requirements

Introduction If you are a citizen of a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program, you are eligible to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization or ESTA online. Whether you are visiting in transit or for business or leisure, a vacation, completing the ESTA application online avoids the need to apply for a visa…

Travel Restrictions from Europe to the United States

Updated: Jun 07, 2023 | Tags: ESTA Requirements, Travel Restrictions, Border Security, COVID-19

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.…

How will the social media information on my ESTA application be used by CBP?

Updated: Aug 25, 2023 | Tags: ESTA Data Privacy, ESTA Form

Introduction There are several questions on the ESTA application form that are optional. One of these questions is regarding social media account information. This question provides Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with a point of reference when checking applicant information matches…

Restrictions for Travelers entering the U.S. from China, Iran, Italy and South Korea

Updated: Jun 07, 2023 | Tags: Border Security, ESTA, COVID-19

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.…