Important Things You Must Know Before Applying for ESTA

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization, also known as ESTA, is a popular way to travel to the United States without opting for a Visa. It is probably one of the best Visa alternatives for business travelers and tourists as it saves them from the hassle of applying for a visa.


Although there are endless advantages of applying for ESTA, it is not for everyone. People from selected countries can visit the United States through ESTA and others are required to follow the traditional approach of applying for a Visa.


In case you are planning to apply for ESTA, make sure to check the listed countries to understand if you are eligible for ESTA or not. In addition to this, there are several other factors that you need to remember while applying for ESTA.

Even though ESTA is a relatively simple process, you need to be extra cautious to ensure that your application request doesn’t get rejected.


What does ESTA Actually Mean?

If you don’t know what ESTA is, you are in for a great surprise. ESTA is basically a travel program designed by the US government that tourists and business travelers can use to visit the country under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). VWP is a way to visit the United States of America without applying for a Visa.


However, the US government is quite strict when it comes to allowing other citizens to enter the country. They use specific rules to decide whether to accept the ESTA application of an individual or not. That’s why it is extremely important to be wise while applying for ESTA.


Here’s what you need to know about Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and what you should remember while applying for an ESTA application.

Things You Should Remember About ESTA


ESTA is Different From Visa

This is the one factor people usually get confused with. ESTA and Visa are far different from each other. From the application process to the travel guidelines, everything is different in both the scenarios. For instance, different visas are limited for different time intervals.

However, when it comes to ESTA, it is valid for two years. The catch here is that with ESTA, the person can only stay in the country for a maximum time interval of 90 days. If someone is found staying in the country after 90 days, the local authorities can take legal actions against him//her.

You Should Apply for ESTA at least 72 Hours Before Your Trip

However, it is always a wise strategy to file your application months before so that even if your application is rejected due to any reasons, you have time to apply for a Visa and get it approved before the trip.


You Should Disclose Your Prior Arrests and US Immigration Issues

If you were ever arrested in the United States or had immigration issues (not allowed to enter the United States) in the past, make sure to list them on your ESTA application. In case you don’t list these things on the application, you’ll be considered a fraud and your application will be rejected on the spot without. So, rather than getting the application rejected, make sure to list these things on the application.


Entering the United States With ESTA

Once your ESTA application is approved, you’ll be allowed to enter the United States. However, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can still declare you inadmissible to visit the country if you don’t meet the US immigration laws. Like a tourist who has a Visa, it is still important to go through the immigration process, even if you have an approved ESTA to visit the country.