A travel authorization is still required before you can travel to the USA.
But since 2009, the United States of America has introduced a new program called ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
This is an electronic travel authorization for citizens of countries covered by the U.S. visa waiver program.
It’s quick and easy to obtain, and increases both domestic and flight security.
It also facilitates travel for foreign nationals from countries benefiting from this program.
In other words, to travel to the United States, travelers must apply for ESTA.
This replaces the USA visa as the official travel document, but only if the traveler meets the required conditions.
ESTA authorization is mandatory if the traveler does not have a visa.
Let’s take a look at what the ESTA document is, who it’s for and how to apply for it.
Why apply for ESTA?
Applying for ESTA under the USA visa waiver is a security measure undertaken by the United States.
This formality has been put in place by the U.S. Immigration Service, with the participation of the Department of Homeland Security, in order to control all persons wishing to travel to the U.S. territory.
This control is based on the information provided by each applicant on the online form.
To be eligible for ESTA USA, the applicant must be staying in the USA for a maximum of 90 days, for the purposes of visiting the United States, doing business or in transit.
They must also be in possession of a biometric or electronic passport and a return ticket proving that they do not wish to remain on American soil.
After analyzing these data, the U.S. authorities decide whether or not to grant travel authorization to the applicant.
For this reason, not all ESTA requests made online are granted, although this is very rare.
The ESTA is valid for two years, unless the passport is about to expire, in which case a new passport and ESTA application are required.
Required ESTA application formalities
The steps involved in applying for a mandatory ESTA are fairly straightforward.
To do so, applicants must visit either a specialized website or the U.S. government website.
The process is not assisted on the official U.S. government site, but it will cost you less.
On a private site, additional fees will be charged for assistance.
The most important step is filling in the online application form.
The main information you’ll be asked to provide on the ESTA form is: first name, last name, passport number and so on.
You must pay the required fee in order to validate your authorization request and be able to travel to the USA.
The ESTA document will be issued to you by the American authorities if you meet all the eligibility criteria.
If not, your application may be rejected.
If you still wish to visit the USA, you can apply for a visa at your nearest American embassy.