No Entry into the US without ESTA

In mid-January, the US Department of Homeland Security implemented the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA. Travelers from the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and 32 other countries heading to the US must now register online before they head to the airport or risk getting barred from their flights.

The US government hopes that, by using ESTA to register before their international flights, any travelers who might pose security risks would be flagged well before they board their planes.

Who Must Use ESTA?

The travelers who must use ESTA to enter the US are citizens of the 35 countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program. The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens from certain countries to apply for admission to come to the US for business or pleasure for 90 days without obtaining a non-immigrant visa first. Before ESTA, the travelers were only required to fill out an I-94W entry card when entering the US.

Travelers who are planning on staying for over 90 days or have a reason to be in the US other than business or pleasure are required to obtain a visa before traveling. Travelers who already hold visas need not submit ESTA applications.

If travelers do not have or cannot use a computer with Internet access prior to their trip to the US, a third party can submit ESTA applications on their behalf.

Is ESTA Data Kept Private?

Once an ESTA application is submitted and approved, the data is kept for two years and allows for multiple visits to the US in that time. The ESTA does not require any more information than the I-94W card and, in most cases, approves travelers right away.

The information on a traveler’s ESTA is submitted to the US Department of Homeland Security and is held subject to strict privacy controls. Access to travelers’ information is only granted to secure government officials on a strict need-to-know basis.

Is ESTA Free?

There is currently no charge for submitting an ESTA application; however, Congress is considering the Travel Promotion Act. If the Travel Promotion Act passes, the US Department of Homeland Security will charge a $10 fee for every ESTA application.

How & When Do Travelers Apply?

ESTA is a web-based system. Travelers to the US go to a secure Department of Homeland Security website and are usually approved within minutes.

Travelers are encouraged to submit ESTA applications as soon as they begin planning a trip to the US, and no later than 72 hours before departure. Though it’s not recommended, travelers can submit last-minute ESTA applications. If they arrive at the airport without clearance, however, they may not be allowed to board the plane.

Where Can I Learn More About ESTA?

The US Department of Homeland Security has released ESTA fact sheets in 10 languages as well as a list of answers to frequently asked questions.

The more information that travelers know about the mandatory ESTA program, the easier and safer their flights to the US will be!

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