Showing Articles for "ESTA Application"

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. However, some changes have not been…

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,…

Introduction Employment information is used by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to help determine if ESTA applicants are intending to illegally enter the United States to become economic migrants. The specific section related to this law is in the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act Section 214b. ESTA applicants are required to provide employment information as evidence of having substantial…

Introduction The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) provides travelers with the option to travel visa-free to the United States using a streamlined and automated process. An ESTA can be used by travelers arriving to America by air or by sea. It permits stays of up to 90 days and is issued for a period of two years, or the date of passport expiry. An alternative form of travel…

Introduction Visa waiver eligible U.S. bound travelers can apply for an ESTA before booking transport or hotel accommodation. Exact travel dates and accommodation details are not required at the time of submitting an application, although providing such information may aid in the processing of a traveler’s application. …

Introduction An ESTA can be used for multiple entries into the United States. However, approved ESTA applicants should be aware that Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has the right to deny any traveler admission at the U.S. border. Thus, if the CBP officer is led to believe that an ESTA applicant is abusing the conditions of the Visa Waiver Program,…

Introduction If you are needing an ESTA for a family or a group of travelers, then you can apply as a group of applications. To apply for a family or group ESTA, all U.S. bound travelers in the group must hold a passport from a visa waiver eligible country.

Introduction An ESTA application number is generated once an application is submitted to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The application number is a unique identifier used by CBP to identify traveler profiles. The ESTA application number is an alphanumeric string of 16 characters. The sequence of characters is random and does not represent any attributes of an applicant. The application…

Introduction Ever since he started to run for president, Donald Trump has made no secret of the fact that he intended to tighten the USA immigration policy to make it more difficult for people from other countries to live and work and even, in many cases, visit the USA. While certain changes are taking longer to implement than Trump expected, many people who would previously have…

Introduction An ESTA application is processed instantly online and a majority of applications are approved within a minute of submission. However, there are cases where a decision on an application may be delayed by up to 72 hours. Once an ESTA application is approved, the user will be notified via their web browser or email. The approval notification will contain the application or authorization…