Travelling to USA can be confusing and daunting at the same time. Do you need a visa? What is an ESTA? Are there any restrictions? Do you need to pay a fee?
To help make the experience easier we have put together a simple guide with everything you need to know about gaining entry to USA legally and stress free.
Our article includes advice and answers to common questions about the ETSA application, perfect if you are going to be visiting the USA for the first time.
Do Tourists Need a Visa to Enter the USA?
If you are keen to travel to the USA, or even just for a stop off on your way to a different destination, you must complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) form.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a system that checks the eligibility of visitors to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It doesn’t matter if you only plan to stay for a short duration, or even if you are just getting a connecting flight, everyone needs to obtain an ESTA in advance of your arrival. This is compulsory for all British and other nationality tourists no matter if you are arriving by plane, boat or via land.
If you fail to apply for an ESTA in advance, you will usually not be allowed entry into the USA.
Why Do Tourists Need an ESTA Visa?
ESTA was introduced after the September 11th terrorism attacks on the United States in 2001. The 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 recommended that travelers from VWP countries arriving in the U.S. by air or sea should complete an online entry form prior to arrival to increase security for who can visit the USA.
What Does the ESTA Allow?
The ESTA visa once approved allows you to visit the USA for up to 90 days for the purpose of tourism, some types of business visits, and transit to another country.
Who Isn’t Eligible for an ESTA Tourist Visa?
To gain entry to the USA and have your ETSA application approved, you will need a valid passport with this internationally recognised symbol on the front cover, and also:
• haven’t been arrested for certain crimes, even if a criminal conviction didn’t result
• aren’t a dual national of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria
• haven’t travelled to Libya, Iran, Iraq, North Korea (DPRK), Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011 (some exceptions apply)
Sometimes you might also be asked to show you have a return ticket/transport out of the USA and also that you have enough funds available on arrival to support yourself during your stay, even if you’re staying with family and friends.
How to Apply for an ESTA
To apply for the ESTA, you’ll need to complete an online form on the official ESTA website and pay an application fee of US$14. Once you have your travel arrangements booked, you should start the ETSA application to give yourself lots of time to complete it and get it approved. Do not leave it till the last minute, incase the approval time gets delayed as you might be rejected from entering the States. Make sure you complete it at least 72 hours before your departure to allow time for processing.
How Much Does an ESTA Visa Application Cost
The ETSA application costs $14 per applicant, this is around £10 / €12. There are no exceptions to not paying the fee but it only costs $4 if you get your application rejected. You must pay online for the application via credit or debit card.
What Happens if You Don’t Get an ETSA?
If you arrive in the USA without getting an approved ESTA or valid visa, you may be denied boarding at your departure airport, or denied entry on arrival.
Are There Any Exceptions?
If you plan to entry the USA by land or via ferry from Vancouver or Victoria in Canada, you don’t need to complete an ESTA before you arrive at the border.
Can I Re-enter the USA on the Same ESTA Visa?
If you want to travel from the USA to countries nearby like Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean, you can re-enter using your original ESTA and admission stamp you were issued when you first arrived in the US. But your time will be limited to include the original 90 days allowed. For other international destinations, you will need to re-apply for another ESTA.
