There used to be a rather lengthy process to travel to the US that started with application for a Visa prior to 1986 when the Visa Waiver Program was instituted. The application process prior to the VWP could be grueling in some cases and it could take months to get the approval. The process actually kept people from traveling to the US because it took such a long time and the process was invasive when it came to providing information. The Visa Waiver Program was born to make travel for business and pleasure easier to the US. If you traveled to the US between 1986 and 2001 and you were coming from a member country the process was relatively simple but that all changed in 2001.
Since the NYC bombings in 2001, the USA has had a no holds barred approach to security when it came to entering the country and rightfully so, security in this day and age is critical. After 2001 travel restrictions to the US were heightened and for many years travel became really quite prohibitive to the US and went back to being filled with long delays until the easy to use ESTA system popped up which has made travel to the US easy again!
The Facts about ESTA
As a solution to the security issues with traveling to the US from VWP countries the US government came up with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization or the ESTA. It is an easy online application that expedites the authorization to travel on ships and planes that are headed to the US.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization became mandatory in 2009 although it was instituted in 2006, in 2010 it was mandated that every airlines that fly’s to the US would require the ESTA document at check in or they would risk heavy fines. The “check in” requirement applies to every commercial vessel as well. Private carriers must be signatory carriers so they are also included in the process.
There is still some confusion when coming from a VWP member country as to what the ESTA is and is not. The ESTA is NOT a Visa, if you are traveling from a VWP country you do NOT need a Visa as long as:
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You are traveling for business or pleasure and your stay will not exceed 90 days
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You do not currently hold a valid Visa
The ESTA is not a guarantee that you will be permitted entry much like a Visa is not a guarantee either but it does allow you to travel to the US, the Customs and Border Patrol will check your documents when you arrive and determine if you will be allowed entry. In most cases as long as you have the proper documentation on hand and there is no suspicious behavior you should not have issue entering the US.
There are quite a few caveats that are associated with the program as well that you should keep in mind:
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Permanent residents from member countries are not permitted to us the ESTA, they must use the traditional Visa application process. Only citizens of member countries are eligible for the program.
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VWP travelers are still required to file a blue declaration form upon arrival in the U.S.
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VWP travelers are not required to complete a I-94W card.
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You must have your return tickets or pass through documents when entering the US in addition to your ESTA.
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You must have a valid E Passport (machine readable, biometric passport)
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You cannot have been convicted of a crime for moral turpitude.
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You cannot be under a travel ban for any reason.
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You cannot have a communicable disease.
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Be on any watch list for any country.
Some other things to keep in mind are:
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The Customs and Border Patrol suggest that you file your ESTA as soon as you have plans to travel to the US, you can file up to 72 hours before your planned flight/ship departs your home country but if you run into issues you may not be able to board the transport.
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The travel authorization is good for up to two years or until your passport expires whichever comes first but you visit can only last for 90 days each time within those 2 years. It is strongly recommended by the CBP that should you use the ESTA for multiple trips that there is enough time between each trip as to not raise suspicion that you are actually living in the US and misusing the VWP.
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If you change your name (get married) or make there are other changes like a conviction for a crime you have to reapply for the ESTA.
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Whether you are traveling to or through the US and its territories you will need the ESTA. This includes Puerto Rico, Guam and other areas (check with your agent before booking).
Who Cannot Apply
There are some citizens that CANNOT use this system even if they are citizens of member countries. Anyone that has familial ties to Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq or Iran or who has recently traveled to these regions is not eligible to use this system. If you have traveled to any of these regions you will need to use the traditional Visa application process.
What Information Does the ESTA Collect?
The ESTA focuses on simple biographical questions including your E passport number, birth place of your parents and your current living arrangements. The process is relatively simple when you use the right services to move your application along.
Your information is only shared with the US government and agencies of the US government on a need to know basis. Your information is privacy protected to ensure security.
Does the ESTA Make Travel to the US Easier?
Ultimately the question is whether or not the ESTA program has changed travel to the US for the better. The answer is YES! The ESTA is an additional step that keeps all travelers to the US safe, it is easy to use application that only takes minutes to fill out and you can get your approval in about 24 business hours.
You can expedite the authorization process by:
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Insuring your information is accurate
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Having a valid passport that will stay valid throughout your time in the US
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File your application as soon as you know you have plans.
The ESTA is an additional step that you will have to take to travel to the US but it is an easy step and can help to make travel for everyone safer. Do not let the process intimidate you, ESTA is not difficult to obtain.
