Have a carefree and easy visit to USA

What does ESTA stand for?

ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel authorization. It is an essential procedure for all those who are willing to go to USA for a span of 90 days or less. It is mandatory for those visitors who are a citizen of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries. There are 38 countries which are currently participating in the VWP. The application is a must for declaring that the visitor is eligible for going to the US. This declaration is done online by the officials. But this does not give that person the permission to go into the country. The permission is given at the time of arrival by the Customs and Border protection (CBP) officials.

 It is only as a travel requirement and not a requirement for visa. Those who are citizens of Canada and Mexico need not apply for ESTA for USA. Also ESTA is required for those who are entering USA by plane or the sea. Those taking the road need not have an ESTA.

How does one get an ESTA?

For getting ESTA, one needs to apply online. The entire process is only of a few minutes after you apply and your verification takes hardly a few seconds. The verification is done online too. Only you need to apply latest by 72 hours before your flight. Mostly people are advised to apply as soon as they start planning a trip to United States or book their tickets. Once a person gets an ESTA, it is valid for two years and he can re-visit on that basis. Some applications also need to have a visa which is a separate procedure and takes longer usually than ESTA.

Denial of ESTA:

Those applications which do not fit in the rules or criteria set for declaring eligibility can be rejected. The reasons can be of having violated certain rules, having a criminal background or most importantly not fitting the financial bracket. In case the ESTA is denied, one can always reapply for it. But for re-application, it is necessary to leave a gap of 10 days minimum after the date of denial. You also need to make sure that the grounds on which the ESTA was rejected no longer exist. Forgery or false information can cause serious consequences and can lead to the CBP officials barring you visiting USA forever.

Also the US Embassy and CBP officials have the authority to cancel your ESTA at any point time once it is approved. In that case you need to make a fresh application.

Fees for ESTA:

You are charged for the processing of your application and additional after the approval of ESTA. The initial application fee is $4 and once your get the ESTA another $10 are charged, summing up the total to $14. If you are denied ESTA, then you are charged only for the processing. All the charges are deducted from your credit card.

ESTA usa is not at all tough to get provided you apply in time and are fit for their prescribed rules for approval. You just need to follow things well and then just enjoy your vacation.