For some years now, staying in the USA for a short period of time has become child’s play. The American dream has become more accessible, thanks to the ESTA authorization system.
Is the ESTA application similar to a b2 tourist visa for the USA? We answer this question by explaining what ESTA authorization is.
A closer look at ESTA before you apply
To travel to the USA, travelers need to obtain a travel authorization. Without it, they cannot board the plane or ship bound for the United States of America.
Why was ESTA authorization introduced?
ESTA authorization was introduced in 2009 for one main reason: to strengthen American national security while maintaining the flow of tourists to the USA. The introduction of the Visa Waiver Program helped to relieve congestion in American embassies, while at the same time increasing the appeal of the USA as a tourist destination, but did not allow for effective screening of travellers before they arrived on American soil. With ESTA, that’s now a thing of the past.
Who can apply for an ESTA?
To place an ESTA order, you need to check your eligibility for ESTA. Below are the eligibility criteria:
- be a national of one of the countries covered by the Visa Waiver Program;
- Have a valid electronic or biometric passport;
- travel to the United States for tourism, business or transit;
- not pose a threat to U.S. homeland security;
- stay in the USA for up to 90 days.
When a traveler is not eligible to apply for ESTA authorization, he or she can apply for a visa or apply for a Green Card for the USA.
How does ESTA work?
The ESTA is an electronic travel authorization, i.e. it is electronically linked to the passport used at the time of application. So be careful if you change your passport during the validity of the ESTA: a new ESTA application will have to be made with the new passport.
The authorization is valid for a maximum of two years. This validity may be less if your passport expires earlier. A valid ESTA allows you to make as many trips to the USA as you like, provided you comply with the terms of the ESTA regarding the nature and duration of your stay. So there’s no need to order an ESTA for every trip to the USA.
How do I apply for ESTA authorization?
The ESTA application process is relatively straightforward, especially when compared with the process for obtaining a U.S. visa, which involves an interview with a consular official at the U.S. embassy.
You don’t have to go anywhere to apply for ESTA. All you have to do is fill in the ESTA form on the official U.S. website, and pay the 21 U.S. dollars fee directly online by credit card.
The ESTA application on the official US government website
You can complete the online questionnaire yourself by visiting the U.S. government website. Several sections must be completed. The first part is devoted to your personal details (identity, employment, valid passport…), the second is designed to understand your reasons for traveling and to obtain information on an emergency contact, for example. Finally, the third section is entirely devoted to your criminal and medical history. As on a private site, payment of the ESTA application validates your order.
ESTA status following online application
Filling out the ESTA form is not a guarantee of acceptance. Your ESTA application may be accepted, put on hold or refused. You may receive a reply immediately, or within 72 hours.
A successful application authorizes travel to the USA. A pending application requires patience, as a definitive answer will be given later (within 3 days maximum). A refused application puts the traveler in a slightly more complex situation. If the application is rejected due to a data entry error on the application form, a new attempt can be made within 10 days. If the refusal is justified by failure to meet an eligibility criterion, a visa application to the US consular services is required.
Can I travel to Canada or England with ESTA authorization?
The ESTA is a U.S. authorization that allows entry into the U.S. only. To enter Canada, you must first obtain an eTA Canada authorization. Like the ESTA, it is easy to obtain online. European countries have also introduced electronic travel authorization systems.
In 2024, the UK launched its eTA travel authorization for the UK. This electronic travel authorization can also be obtained 100% online.
All these administrative procedures enhance security and facilitate the flow of tourists around the world.
