Under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, 41 countries benefit from visa-free travel to the USA. Foreign nationals from these countries who plan to travel to the USA for transit, tourism or business for up to 90 days are exempt from US visa requirements. But for these new security measures, the US authorities have introduced an electronic travel authorization system. This system is called ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, and it enables the American government to control and select visitors wishing to travel to the U.S. territory.
The impact of the Visa Waiver Program on travel to the USA
Individuals exempt from the USA visa requirement do not need to apply for a visa for travel to the USA for less than 90 days. Nevertheless, they must comply with the requirements of the American authorities. They must obtain an ESTA. In addition, the trip must be for business, tourism or leisure, as well as for transit.
A valid passport is also required. The only forms of identification accepted by the U.S. government are biometric and electronic passports. In addition, a round-trip or exit ticket is required to prove that you do not wish to remain on American soil for more than three months.
The ESTA application process
The great thing about ESTA is that the applicant doesn’t have to travel to the nearest U.S. embassy, just apply online. To obtain ESTA authorization, the traveler logs on to a private site or the official U.S. government website. Then all you have to do is fill in the ESTA form and pay the processing fee. The form asks for a wide range of information, including details of identity and passport, important health data and details of travel plans. To ensure effective control, the online form must be completed as accurately as possible. An error, omission or the slightest ambiguity in a given answer may result in refusal of authorization. In the event of refusal, the applicant may reapply ten days later, but only if the rejection is due to a typing error or carelessness. Otherwise, the traveler must apply for a visa at the American embassy. Delays and prices for the various visas are more excessive than the cost of an ESTA document.
The ESTA is valid for two years from the date of issue, or sooner if your passport expires. In this case, you’ll need to reapply for your passport, then apply for another ESTA and pay the appropriate fee.