Immigration and visa applications are never fun, but once you obtain the required documentation, they will make your trip far simpler. The USA is one country where visas are taken very seriously. With tight border controls and security measures, the US visa application has very specific requirements for travellers. Whether you are visiting for tourism, business or medical care, it’s important to know what you’ll need to show upon arrival in the USA, or indeed what you’ll need to do before your trip.
This blog will explore the ins and outs of the US ESTA system, a unique travel visa that will allow you to enjoy the benefits, attractions and multifaceted character of the United States Of America.
What Is An ESTA?
An ESTA is a visa waiver that nationals from select countries are able to apply for when planning a visit to the US. The “Electronic System For Travel Authorisation” is a digital document that simply allows you to travel through the USA without a visa. The ESTA was introduced in 2009 as a way to make travel to the USA easier and paperless for specific nations with ties to the US.
The ESTA works through transport companies such as airlines, which can search the passport number of a passenger and ensure that they have the correct documents or are allowed into the United States. The automated system makes travel ID checks safer and easier, all with less room for human error from border officials.
You are eligible for an ESTA if you are planning on visiting the USA for tourist activities. You cannot work on an ESTA unless you plan to do so remotely and your company is located outside the US. Journalists and those looking to invest in US businesses should apply for a different visa.
How Does It Differ From A Visa?
A visa requires a number of paper documents as well as checks from the US Embassy or consulate to ensure your travel to the county is deemed safe. Whilst the ESTA might sometimes be referred to as a visa, it is more precisely a visa waiver allowing selected nations to bypass the visa requirements. This is of course unless the individual has been singled out as someone who should not enter US territory for whatever reason.
Who Is Permitted To Apply For An Esta?
US Tourist Visas may be required for travellers from specific countries outside of the permitted ESTA nations. The nations eligible for the ESTA include the UK, much of the European Union as well as Chile, Brunei Andorra, New Zealand, Taiwan, South Korea and several others. You can find out whether your nation is eligible for the ESTA by visiting the US Visa authority website or searching online.
What Will Be Required Of Me?
Whilst the ESTA requires fewer documents than a US Visa, it still requires some information from you. With the ESTA application being mostly online, you will have to upload the necessary documents onto the online form.
You will need a passport from an eligible country, need to prove that you are only staying in the US for less than 90 days, have no criminal record and can prove that you are only visiting for tourism or remote work.
AdminPUBLISHED ON 04 Aug 2021
Comments
