ESTA Visa Facts you Should Know When Planning a Trip to the U.S.

One of the things you most likely do not know about traveling to the US is the fact that it is possible to be denied entry right after you arrive. This is what happens when you do not comply with the country’s visa requirements. All people that want to go to the US should be aware of the different options that are available. Planning the trip can be so much more complicated than what you might think at first glance.

Here are ESTA Visa facts you should know when planning a trip to the U.S.

Visa Waiver Program

The VWP (Visa Waiver Program) allows people that come from specific countries to visit the US for tourism or business purposes, as long as the stay is under 90 days. No visa is required in this case. USA legislation dictates that visa status cannot be changed if this is how you enter the company and in the event that you do not qualify, this is when a visa is needed.

If you are not interested in tourism and you need to travel to the USA for working arrangements, the work visa is mandatory. In fact, if you are allowed entry through the VWP, you are not legally allowed to receive payments for practically anything. If you are on a visitor visa or enter through the ESTA visa process, you breach conditions if money is received for something. You can be arrested and even detained.

If you enter the country through the VWP, the passport you hold needs to be valid and machine-readable. If you do not have such a passport, a visa is needed.

Electronic System For Travel Authorization

When you are a resident for any of the countries covered by the VWP, you need ESTA authorization before you actually leave on your trip to the US. There is a travel and operational promotional fee that has to be paid as you apply for authorization. However, payment does not guarantee you are going to be allowed to enter.

When you apply for ESTA, you have to fill out an application form. In it, you need to be as honest as you can be. This is the only way to be accepted. Background checks are going to be done and if you lied, there is a pretty good possibility that you will never be able to take advantage of the ESTA system. If this happens, your only alternative is a visa.

It needs to be added that the response to the application is much faster than what you might think. Since everything is handled digitally, you normally get ESTA approval in just a few hours after you submit the application. Only in rare situations, when more checks are needed, you will need to wait for up to 72 hours. Be sure that you get your ESTA authorization first, before buying your plane ticket. The official response will be emailed to you, together with a number you should hold.

One of the best possible ways to enter the country is through ESTA. With this in mind, whenever you can use this system, take advantage of it.

Follow us on FacebookPinterestInstagram, and Twitter!

Sharing is Caring

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

1 comments: