If you are planning to visit the United States of America, you need to apply for your ESTA. However, to clear the confusion and misconceptions around the, this article explores seven pointers you need to know now.
Since its inception back in 2009, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization has a vital requirement for those who travel to the United States of America. Though ESTA application for the USA is quite easy, some travellers may still be unsure of what exactly the ESTA entails.
If you are planning to visit the United States of America, you need to apply for your ESTA. However, to clear the confusion and misconceptions around the, this article explores seven pointers you need to know now.
1. Your ESTA application can yield three responses
Once you have completed online application for the ESTA, you get an approval notification within 24 hours or even sooner than that. However, you should expect three types of responses;
- Authorization approved-this response connotes that your ESTA application has been approved. Later on, you receive your confirmation number, and you also get to know when your ESTA will become obsolete.
- Authorization pending-this responses indicate that an automatic decision could not be achieved. However, your application waits for a secondary vetting, and the final decision is made after 72 hours.
- Travel not authorized- this response means that you are not allowed to travel to the states with the ESTA. But you can use a visa for that purpose.
2. ESTA is not a Visa
With the information and personal details you provide in your ESTA application, you can be allowed to visit the USA without a visa if you were deemed eligible via the ESTA program. Yes, you can visit the states using a visa. But a visa is a separate form of authorization. Typically, it takes a longer period to apply and get it than the ESTA which only takes 24 hours to get approval.
3. The ESTA is valid for two years from its approval
The ESTA lasts for two years, unlike a visa. Usually, its validity begins the day you receive your approval notification which happens to be the same day you did your application. Most importantly to note, your ESTA's validity period cannot be extended while in the United States. But it is mandatory to adhere to the 90-day ‘clock' of your ESTA.
4. The ESTA lets you travel to the states for up to 90 days at a time
The time you arrive in the USA, your 90-day clock begins. So you are not allowed to live longer than the stated period. In case you do, you risk being denied entry in future. But if you want to outstay, you should apply for the corresponding visa.
5. The last decision lies with the border patrol agents
With the ESTA, you have the right to travel to the states, but you remain subject to undergo border patrol vetting when you arrive in the USA. Remember you present your passport to the border patrol. They are also mandated to either grant you access tri the USA or deny you. So the ESTA does not guarantee your entry into the United States.
6. ESTA is un-renewable but you can re-apply
There aren't any circumstances you can renew your ESTA. However, you are still eligible to re-apply as many times as you would wish. Also, you should note that in case you lose your passport, you must re-apply for the ESTA before you visit the United States again.
7. In case you are not approved for the ESTA, you are still eligible for the visa
If you happen to receive a notification of unapproved ESTA that does not mean you can apply for the visa. Heck no! You can still apply for it happily. But you should learn that a visa may take longer than time to get it. Eventually, you will be able to travel to the United States.
Conclusion
Up to this far, you have learned seven important points you probably didn't know before. However, if you are planning to visit the United States of America, it is advisable to fill the online application form, for your Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
