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Coming to the US without a visa? Don’t forget to complete ESTA!
By Jim Nolan | January 26, 2010
It has been a year since the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) has been introduced to people traveling to the US on Visa Waiver Program (i.e. coming to the US without a visa). Now they remind travelers to obtain an approved ESTA as apparently they are going to enforce this strongly.
According to the recent announcement, beginning January 20, they started initiating a 60-day transition to enforced ESTA compliance for air carriers; travelers without an approved ESTA may not be allowed to board a plane to the US. I don’t know exactly what “60-day transition” indicates at this point, however, if you, your family or friends are coming to the US without a visa, please make sure to complete ESTA on-line within 72 hours of their trip to the US to avoid a risk of being refused to take their flights. This does not affect US citizens returning from overseas or people traveling on a valid US visa.
ESTA applications are free and may be submitted at any time prior to travel, and once approved, generally will be valid for up to 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Authorizations are valid for multiple entries. The web-based system prompts applicants to answer basic biographic and eligibility questions typically requested on a paper I-94W form. A third party, such as a relative, a friend, or a travel agent, may submit an application on behalf of the traveler. Please visit ESTA for further information.
Topics: Visa Waiver Program | 4 Comments »
Japanese
German
February 20th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
This article was very useful for a paper I am writing for my thesis.
Thanks
Bernice Franklin
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Classic Tall Chestnut
June 17th, 2010 at 4:53 am
Cheers for creating this it was used as a source for a paper I am currently writing for my finals. Thanks
Discount Gucci
July 18th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Great. Hope the finals went well.
August 15th, 2010 at 1:49 am
Update!
Starting September 8, 2010, ESTA is no longer free. The Department of Homeland will charge a $14 per person fee when a person registers for their trip on-line.