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Polish Passport Holders can now apply for ESTA

Updated: Nov 11, 2019 | Tags: Visa Waiver Program, ESTA Eligibility, ESTA Requirements

Introduction On November 6th 2019, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Polish passport holders will be able to apply for ESTA starting today, November 11th 2019. Poland will be the first country admitted to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) since 2014, when Chile was admitted. Poland will be the 39th country admitted to the Visa Waiver Program since its creation in 1986. An…

ESTA for Transit Purposes

Updated: Jan 21, 2024 | Tags: ESTA for Transit, ESTA Requirements

Transiting through the U.S. can be beneficial to travelers looking to book more convenient or lower cost airfare on route to their final destination. Travelers from one of the Visa Waiver Program countries can use an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for such transit purposes. If an ESTA transit application is denied or travelers are ineligible for ESTA, as an alternative they can apply…

Applying for an ESTA with a Criminal Record

Updated: Nov 01, 2022 | Tags: ESTA with Criminal Record, Visa with Criminal Record, ESTA Requirements

Can you get an ESTA with previous criminal arrests or convictions? Applying for an ESTA with a Criminal Record Yes, an ESTA can be obtained with a criminal record, however getting an ESTA approved will depend on the nature of the crime, the age of the offender at the time as well as the date the crime took place. No matter where the crime occurred in the world,…

How does the ESTA identify security risks?

Updated: Aug 25, 2023 | Tags: Border Security, ESTA Requirements, ESTA Eligibility

Introduction Since 2008, the security of the VWP (Visa Waiver Program) has been enhanced by the introduction of ESTA, which enables the CBP (U.S Customs and Border Protection) to vet prospective travelers to see if they pose a security risk before they board a carrier bound for the United States. ESTA acts as a counterbalance to the vulnerabilities and risks presented by visa-free travel with an extra…

How does the communicable disease question impact an ESTA application?

Updated: Nov 01, 2022 | Tags: ESTA Eligibility, ESTA Questions

Introduction An applicant’s communicable disease history forms one question of the nine eligibility questions on the ESTA form that are designed to assist the CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) to assess whether you present a security risk to the United States. The first question you are required to answer is whether you are suffering from a physical or mental health disorder; this includes…

Should I apply for an ESTA before booking my itinerary?

Updated: Aug 24, 2023 | Tags: ESTA Application, ESTA Questions

Introduction Visa waiver eligible U.S. bound travelers can apply for an ESTA before booking transport or hotel accommodation. Exact travel dates and accommodation details are not required at the time of submitting an application, although providing such information may aid in the processing of a traveler’s application. Should I apply for an ESTA before booking my itinerary? …

ESTA for Business Purposes

Updated: Jan 20, 2024 | Tags: ESTA for Business, ESTA Requirements

ESTA is a convenient travel authorization for business travelers visiting the United States that can be used by individuals who hold a passport from a visa waiver member country. An ESTA can be used for a variety of business activities such as attending job interviews, business-related research activities, consulting with business associates, traveling for a scientific, educational, professional or…

Why has my ESTA not been delivered?

Updated: Aug 25, 2023 | Tags: ESTA Delivery, ESTA Status, ESTA Processing

Introduction Recent changes to the processing of ESTA applications have resulted in increased processing timelines at Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Virtually, all ESTA applications are decided upon within 72 hours. Although instant decisions are still common, many decisions now are delivered via email, sometime in between a few hours or a few days after an application has been submitted. Applicants…

U.S. Vice President Pence says Poland Almost Ready to Join Visa Waiver Program

Updated: Sep 08, 2019 | Tags: ESTA Eligibility, Visa Waiver Program

Introduction Polish citizens wishing to travel to the United States are not currently eligible to apply for an ESTA visa waiver, but this could soon be set to change. Last week U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, visiting Poland to commemorate the outbreak of WWll 80 years ago, said on Monday that he was delighted that the country was close to being able to join the USA Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The…

Well known people who have been denied a US Visa, ESTA or entry into the U.S.

Updated: Jan 21, 2024 | Tags: ESTA Denied, Denied for US Visa

Every year, millions of people apply for a visa to enter the United States. Applying for a US visa can be a challenging process and making just a small mistake can mean that your visa will be delayed or even denied. It’s essential to make sure that you keep yourself well-informed about any changes to the rules regarding US visa and ESTA applications, for instance, making sure that you apply for the…