ESTA Update
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) has updated the online travel authorization application in order to help identify potential national security threats, such as known or suspected terrorists who are seeking passage to the U.S. ESTA is a travel authorization system that allows the U.S. government to screen candidates and perform a background check on those traveling from foreign countries to the U.S.
New Questions Added To ESTA Application
Some additional questions have been added to the application such as providing other names or aliases, additional citizenships, name of parents, a national identification number (if applicable), contact information, point of contact in the U.S., employment information (if applicable) and city of birth. There are also questions on the new application regarding communicable diseases, any arrests and convictions for certain crimes as well as any past history of visa revocation or deportations. It is the goal of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to quickly verify this information and expedite the approval process for travel requests within a 72 hour period.
How Long Is An Approved ESTA Application Valid For?
An approved ESTA application is valid for two years, or until the traveler’s passport expires, and allows travelers to come back and forth between their home country and the U.S. in 90 day increments. In the case of an ESTA application not being approved, the traveler will be referred to the U.S. Department of State so they may apply for a travel visa. One important thing to note is that if a traveler already has a valid travel visa such as the E-2 Visa or L-1 Visa they are not required to file an ESTA application.
For additional information, click on the following ESTA Application Change Of Information link, which is the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
If you would like to apply online for ESTA authorization please visit the ESTA Web site and follow the instructions for answering all the questions and submit an application for authorization.
The ESTA Application Process in 5 Easy Steps
