So, you've decided to travel to the USA. Well, you're seriously considering it anyway? Have you been put off by what you consider to be a difficult and timely visa process?
Not to worry gentle companion. If you're from one of the 38 countries listed here, you can travel to the USA without a visa.
Instead of a visa, you can use ESTA. ESTA stands for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization and it allows citizens of the aforementioned countries to travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP).
Not to worry gentle companion. If you're from one of the 38 countries listed here, you can travel to the USA without a visa.
Instead of a visa, you can use ESTA. ESTA stands for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization and it allows citizens of the aforementioned countries to travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP).
Guest post written by Josh Hobson
Applying for an ESTA Visa
Applying for an ESTA Visa is easy, all you need is an electronic passport and internet connection - that's right, there is only one form to complete and it's all online - the ESTA application takes around 30 minutes to complete, and your ESTA can be approved within seconds of application.
Once you've completed the application form, access for the country can sometimes take up to 72 hours to be processed - so don't be alarmed if you don't receive something straight away - although rare, it's completely normal.
The ESTA sounds too good to be true? Right?! I hear you. But, wait! There's more... Unlike a visa, an ESTA lasts for two whole years. That is, of course, unless your passport expires within that two year period.
In that two year period, you may travel to the USA as often as you please. Please note, you must have a return flight booked every time that you fly to the USA.
The ESTA sounds too good to be true? Right?! I hear you. But, wait! There's more... Unlike a visa, an ESTA lasts for two whole years. That is, of course, unless your passport expires within that two year period.
In that two year period, you may travel to the USA as often as you please. Please note, you must have a return flight booked every time that you fly to the USA.
In order to make use of this wonderful programme, anybody trying to enter the USA with ESTA must do so under the terms as a tourist or have business to attend to. Also, you should use ESTA if you have a connecting flight within the USA too.
You cannot use ESTA to work or study in the USA for that you would need to apply for a visa.
Finally, an ESTA costs $14, that's it. Compare that to a visa, you can probably multiply that figure by at least 10.
You cannot use ESTA to work or study in the USA for that you would need to apply for a visa.
Finally, an ESTA costs $14, that's it. Compare that to a visa, you can probably multiply that figure by at least 10.
Let me give you an example of someone that needs to apply for an ESTA but already has a visa ...after the visa has expired, you’re usually given a grace period to travel around the country. If you travel to Mexico or Canada for a weekend during the grace period, you will more than likely not be allowed back into the country, therefore, applying for an ESTA would be somewhat beneficial.
To apply for your ESTA, you can use the official government website.
To apply for your ESTA, you can use the official government website.
