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ESTA Glossary of Key Terms

Updated: Dec 13, 2023 | Tags: ESTA Application Guide

The process of obtaining a U.S. visa involves understanding a variety of terms and acronyms related to immigration. This glossary is designed to help simplify these terms, providing a comprehensive overview for anyone navigating the U.S. visa system. Whether you're traveling for leisure, business, or longer-term pursuits such as study or work, knowing these terms can make the process more manageable.…

CBP proposes additional data and image capturing on ESTA application forms

Updated: May 31, 2022 | Tags: ESTA Application, ESTA Requirements, ESTA Form

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has proposed a number of changes to enhancing the security screening procedures of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is used for issuing travel authorizations for eligible visitors of the Visa Waiver Program. How does CBP typically propose changes for the ESTA? Typically, when CBP wishes to fund enhancements for their technology,…

Travelers entering the U.S. by land will soon need an ESTA

Updated: Apr 11, 2022 | Tags: ESTA Application Pending, Border Security, ESTA Requirements

On April 7th 2022, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) revised the requirements for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers entering the United States by land. When will ESTA be required for Visa Waiver Program travelers entering by land? Starting October 1st 2022, all travelers entering the United States by air, sea and now land, will need to be in possession of an approved ESTA prior to be allowing…

Potential Improvements for the ESTA

Updated: Jan 21, 2024 | Tags: ESTA Improvements, ESTA Application, ESTA Processing

The ESTA has been around for over a decade. During this period, the system has undergone a number of changes which have enhanced its security, usability and accessibility. Notably, there have been recent changes to the layout of the form. For example, it underwent a redesign to a be mobile responsive website, with additional security related questions in 2019. There are also some changes have not…

Data accuracy considerations when applying for an ESTA

Updated: Jan 21, 2024 | Tags: Mistake on ESTA, ESTA Application

Travelers are gaining more awareness regarding online data collection practices of airlines, hotels, governments and other entities involved in providing travel related services. Many travelers now book hotels and other services using pseudo-names, aliases and other intentionally inaccurate data to gain a greater sense of privacy over their own personal information. However, when it comes to U.S. travel…

Why does the ESTA Application require Employer Information?

Updated: Aug 24, 2023 | Tags: ESTA Application, ESTA Employment Information

Introduction Employment information is used by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to help determine if ESTA applicants are intending to illegally enter the United States to become economic migrants. The specific section related to this law is in the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act Section 214b. ESTA applicants are required to provide employment information as evidence of having substantial economic…

What is the experience of traveling on an ESTA?

Updated: Jan 21, 2024 | Tags: ESTA Experience, ESTA Application

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) provides travelers with the option to travel visa-free to the United States using a streamlined and automated process. An ESTA can be used by travelers arriving to America by land, air or by sea. It permits stays of up to 90 days and is issued for a period of two years, or the date of passport expiry. An alternative form of travel authorization…

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? …

Can an ESTA be used for multiple entries to the United States?

Updated: Aug 24, 2023 | Tags: Multiple Entry ESTA, ESTA Rules, ESTA Application

Introduction An ESTA can be used for multiple entries into the United States. However, approved ESTA applicants should be aware that Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has the right to deny any traveler admission at the U.S. border. Thus, if the CBP officer is led to believe that an ESTA applicant is abusing the conditions of the Visa Waiver Program, then the CBP border officials would have the…

ESTA for a family or group of travelers

Updated: Aug 25, 2023 | Tags: Family ESTA, Group ESTA Applications

Introduction If you are needing an ESTA for a family or a group of travelers, then you can apply as a group of applications. To apply for a family or group ESTA, all U.S. bound travelers in the group must hold a passport from a visa waiver eligible country. ESTA for a family or group of travelers What is the group ESTA application process? If you need ESTA…