ESTA for flying to the United States

Planning to fly to the United States of America at least once in your lifetime is a dream most of the people have. But at the same time there are many other things involved in it before you actually fly. There are procedures involved and it is a must that these procedures happen well in advance. One such procedure is applying for ESTA. Here are a few things you need to know about ESTA and the related procedures:

What is ESTA?

The full form of ESTA is Electronic System for Travel Authorization. This is mandatory regulation of the government of USA for all those people who want to go to US and are from the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries. Currently there are 38 countries which participate in the Visa Waiver program. This is a kind of system where the eligibility of a visitor is authorized. Even though it gives a decision about the eligibility of a visitor, it does not determine if the visitor is admissible within the country or not. Admissibility is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officials when you arrive into the country.

ESTA is necessary for all those who are entering the country from the sea or by the plane. Those travelling by road from Canada or Mexico do not need to get an ESTA.

What all is necessary for ESTA?

ESTA, in layman’s terms can be called as collection of your personal details for the process of identity verification. Your biographic information is the focus of this registration which further determines eligibility. This authorization is done online once you fill up the available form. It is recommended that a visitor submits a request for authorization at least 72 hours before travelling to US, but it is always safer to do it as soon as your tickets for US are booked. Even a child needs to get ESTA and without having one, the officials can deny you an entry into the country. The authentication of the application usually takes less than a minute. Some approvals also need to have a Visa. So that can include a series of interviews with the US consulate officials.

Validity:

The authorization under ESTA can be valid up to two years. The US Customs and Border Protection officials have all the authority to cancel or deny ESTA at any point of time after approval. In that case you need to submit a new application.

Denial of ESTA:

There are possibilities that you can be denied ESTA. In that case you will have to apply for a United States visitor visa. In case you wish to re apply for ESTA, you will have to wait for at least 10 days before doing so. Also it is a must that whatever was the condition for denial has to be changed. It is essential to know that trying to forge or providing any false information can lead to permanent barring from visiting the states. The US embassy then cannot help you to get an ESTA or Visa in any case.

Your dreams of visiting can definitely fulfill without hassles, provided you apply for ESTA well in advance. One small procedure and you are all set to go.