Traveling to the United States requires lots of preparation. You need to make sure you have your passport, tickets, and other documents ready. Add to the list your personal belongings, cash, and the approved ESTA or the Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
An ESTA is a web system that is used by the US government to determine the right of visitors to travel and stay within America. Authorization via ESTA is different from the admissibility of a guest to America. The final decision remains with the officers of the Customs and Border Protection upon entry of the visitors.
ESTA application is straightforward and you can do it online. In this article, we will discuss what ESTA is, and we will help you tackle how your ESTA application can be approved.
Understanding What ESTA Is
The ESTA is a requirement upon entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and it allows the visitors to visit America without needing a visa.
It has a validity period of two years, and it will allow you multiple entries in America for a total of 90 days. Take note, however, that if you have a new passport, you also need to reapply for a new ESTA.
Due to the incident that happened on September 11, the US Department of Homeland Security implemented the ESTA to control the people that come to America.
The officials can approve the ESTA within few seconds, but you should apply at least 72 hours before your departure. In fact, you should get one as soon as you have decided when your travel date is just in case they deny your application.
Guests who arrive in America even without ESTA will not be allowed through immigration, and they will be sent back home instead. This is rare though as without an ESTA, travellers will not be permitted boarding at their point of departure. What you can do is always to check your ESTA application online and see any available update.
Now, here are the tips on how to get your ESTA approved:
1. Avoid Skipping Questions/ Leaving It Blank
Before answering a question in the form, you can ask for help especially if you are not sure about it. Ask a professional so you can have clarity before committing a mistake in the application.
Also, be sure that you give answers to all questions. Avoid leaving it blank because it can raise red flags which may prompt denial of your application.
2. Don’t Make An Error In Answering The Questions
One reason why there are instances of denial of ESTA applications is not that there is something wrong with your personality, it is because you made an error in answering one of the questions about the following:
- Criminal records
- Communicable diseases
- Passport numbers
Thus, it is essential that you take your time in inputting the correct information in the system. Avoid typos so you can be sure of the approval of your ESTA in due time.
You can also try asking for companies that offer services to double check your application before you submit it online.
3. When ESTA Is Approved But Denied Entry Into USA, Cooperate With Officials
If you are a citizen from one of the countries who approved the VWP, it does not mean that you can automatically enter the USA. Sometimes, your ESTA is accepted, but still, there is a denial of entry.
The first thing you must do is to stay calm and never argue with the officials. Most likely, you have a problem with paperwork or documentation.
What you can do is to cooperate with the officials. Have some patience and ask the right questions so you can better understand the situation and options to take.
If the officials are not cooperating with you to solve your problem, then you can ask for the help of a lawyer or any relatives or friends living in the United States to help you communicate with the authorities.
Conclusion
In sum, ESTA is essential if you wish to make your trip to the United States legitimate and hassle-free. This application was implemented by the government to provide an extra measure and prevent terrorism in America.
However, ESTA does not automatically guarantee your entry into the United States. If you meet specific criteria to travel in America, then you can do so. But if not, your USA Esta will be denied. But sometimes, even if you meet the criteria, there are times that you may be rejected upon the entry point.
Thus, it is vital to always communicate with the officials, ask for help from professionals to check your application, and be honest and careful with your request.
Kimberley Jones
Kimberley is a travel enthusiast who enjoys visiting new places. While on her journey around the world she loves to write about her experiences especially when getting a USA Esta Visa. She has written for many different travel related sites such as Esta-formulaire.us and enjoys living life to the fullest.
Love traveling.
