ESTA Visa Application for USA: A Complete Guide

If you're planning to visit the United States for tourism, business, or transit, and you're from a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you will need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). The ESTA visa application for the USA is an essential step for many travelers, enabling them to enter the United States without the need for a traditional visa. This guide walks you through the process of applying for the ESTA visa and answers all of your important questions.

What is an ESTA Visa for the USA?

An ESTA visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows citizens from eligible countries to travel to the United States for tourism, business, or transit without applying for a visa. It's not a traditional visa, but a simpler, faster process for entry under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The ESTA visa application is completed online, and upon approval, it authorizes you to stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days.

Who Needs to Apply for an ESTA Visa for the USA?

The ESTA visa application for the USA is only required for travelers coming from Visa Waiver Program countries. This program allows nationals of certain countries to travel to the U.S. without a visa for tourism, business, or transit. Some of the eligible countries include:

• Australia
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Japan
• France
• Germany

If you are traveling from one of these eligible countries and plan to stay in the U.S. for 90 days or less, then you must apply for an ESTA visa online.

How to Apply for the ESTA Visa for the USA?

The process of applying for the ESTA visa is simple and done online. Here’s how you can complete the ESTA visa application for the USA:

1. Access the Official ESTA Website

Start by visiting the official ESTA website through the U.S. government’s portal. Be sure to avoid third-party websites that charge additional fees. The official link to apply is: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

2. Begin a New Application

Once on the website, click on “Apply for ESTA” and then select “New Application.” You’ll be asked to fill out basic information, such as your passport details and travel plans.

3. Enter Personal Information

The next section requires you to enter personal details. This includes:

• Full Name: As it appears on your passport.
• Gender: Select your gender.
• Date of Birth: Enter your birth date in the specified format (MM/DD/YYYY).
• Country of Citizenship: Choose your country from the list of eligible VWP countries.
• Passport Details: Input your passport number, passport issuing country, passport issuance and expiration dates, and passport type.

4. Provide Travel Information

Next, you’ll be asked about your U.S. travel plans:

• Flight Details: If you’ve already booked your flight, enter the airline name and flight number. If not, you can leave this section blank.
• U.S. Address: Provide the address where you will be staying in the U.S., such as a hotel or the address of a friend or family member. If you’re just transiting, you can enter your transit details.

5. Answer Eligibility Questions

This section of the ESTA visa application for the USA will ask a series of questions to determine your eligibility to enter the U.S. These questions include:

• Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?
• Do you have any communicable diseases?
• Have you ever overstayed a visa or been denied entry to the U.S.?

Be truthful in your responses. If you answer "Yes" to any of these questions, you may not be eligible for the ESTA visa, and you’ll need to apply for a regular visa through the U.S. embassy or consulate.

6. Emergency Contact Information

You will also need to provide an emergency contact’s information. This is a precautionary step and is generally optional, but it’s helpful to include in case of any emergency during your trip.

7. Review Your Application

After entering all required information, review the details for accuracy. Make sure that your passport information, travel details, and responses to eligibility questions are correct. Mistakes could result in delays or denial of your application.

8. Pay the ESTA Fee

The next step is to pay the ESTA application fee, which is typically $21. Payment can be made using a credit card or PayPal. Once payment is completed, your ESTA visa application for the USA will be submitted for processing.

9. Submit Your Application

After submitting, you will receive a response regarding your ESTA visa status. In most cases, the application is processed quickly. There are three possible outcomes:

• Approved: Your application is approved, and you can print or save your approval notice. This means you are authorized to travel to the U.S.
• Pending: In some rare cases, your application may be pending. If so, the system will inform you that a decision will be made within 72 hours.
• Denied: If your application is denied, you will be directed to apply for a U.S. visa through a U.S. embassy.

10. Check ESTA Status

You can check the status of your ESTA visa application at any time through the official ESTA website by entering your passport details or application number.

How Long is the ESTA Visa Valid?

Once approved, your ESTA visa is valid for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can travel to the U.S. as many times as you wish for stays of up to 90 days each, without needing to apply for a new ESTA each time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When completing the ESTA visa application for the USA, it’s important to avoid common mistakes, such as:

• Incorrect passport details: Ensure your passport information is accurate, and that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of arrival in the U.S.
• Answering eligibility questions incorrectly: Be honest when answering the questions regarding criminal history, health issues, or previous U.S. immigration violations. A wrong answer could lead to denial.
• Failure to review your application: Always double-check your application before submission to catch any errors.

Conclusion

The ESTA visa application for the USA is a straightforward process for travelers from eligible countries who want to visit the U.S. for short stays. By carefully following the steps above and ensuring that all information is correct, you can quickly obtain travel authorization and be on your way to the United States. Remember, ESTA is valid for two years, but it’s best to apply well in advance of your travel date to avoid any last-minute issues. Happy travels!

Easily apply for your eVisa online by visiting Tourist Requirements.

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