ESTA explained
Written by Jack on 09 August, 2010 in Travel Tips.
ESTA, or the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is a requirement from the United States government for travelers using the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA system is a pre-authorization for travel to the U.S. and lets travelers fill out the I-94W form online before traveling to the U.S.A.
An ESTA clearance is a requirement for travel to the U.S.A. since 12 January 2009, and if a traveler doesn't have this done before arriving at the airport, check in will be denied by the airline. Once a traveler has received clearance, it can be re-used for up to 2 years. However, in a transition period, there might still be a need to fill out the paper I-94W form before clearing immigration. This is because the information on the form is also used by the Department of Commerce and the Census Bureau, while the ESTA information is only used to match travelers with no-fly and terrorist lists.
The ESTA is most definitely not a visa, and is only usable by citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries. If you're not a citizen of one of these countries, you'll need to apply for a visa at your nearest American Embassy.
Applying for ESTA clearance
Visit the Department of Homeland Security website at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. You'll need your passport at hand, as well as your first flight details for the U.S. visit and an address where you'll be staying. A hotel address is sufficient.
You should visit the site at least 72 hours before your flight. Once the form is filled in, you'll find out right away whether you've received authorization. Make sure to print out a copy of the confirmation, because you'll need it at the airport or other transportation.
From this month, August 2010, there's a USD 14 ESTA fee to apply for the ESTA clearance.
Watch out for scams
There have been a number of website popping up that will assist you in applying for the ESTA, for a fee of course. This is at best wasted money, at worst an outright scam. None of these websites or companies are working together with the Department of Homeland Security so stay well away. There's also a possibility that a website which isn't the official one, could collect your private information and be used to either steal your identity or break in to your home while away.
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Related articles:
Fee could be levied on ESTA travel to the U.S. by 2010
ESTA a success for visa free travel to USA
