What details do you need for an ESTA?

In case you are willing to apply for an ESTA, you must be aware of the various questions you might be asked as well as everything that is required to be known about ESTA.

When you apply for an ESTA visa waiver, you will be asked a number of questions. In order to obtain it, you must be able to answer the ESTA questions rightly. Therefore, this article will aid you by providing a list of questions in order for you to be prepared first-hand.

First of all, what is ESTA?

ESTA is an acronym for Electronic System for Travel Authorization and refers to the system which identifies a foreigner’s eligibility to travel to the US under VWP or Visa Waiver Program. Essentially, it is not a visa but a compulsory requirement associated with the entry of visitors from any of the 39 nations that are included in VWP. Majorly, VWP permits citizens of specific nations to visit the United States for a maximum of 90 days without a visa for transit, business, as well as for tourism through registration with ESTA.

The process of applying for ESTA is entirely online and one does not require to go for an interview for a visa. The only requirements are basic details and a valid passport that belongs to one of the 39 ESTA nations.

How much time would it take for you to obtain an ESTA?

The application of ESTA takes simply a few minutes. With the help of all the documents that are relevant, you can fill out a form of ESTA efficiently as well as rapidly. Different from obtaining a US visa, you will not be required to attend an interview for an ESTA at an embassy of the United States. The whole process of requesting an ESTA takes place online and can be finished from your home’s comfort. Even though it is common to experience delays, it is great to request one ahead of your plans in order to avoid the rush and stress associated with delays.

Will you be able to extend your ESTA?

Since ESTA has a specific time duration, you will not be able to renew it. Nonetheless, you can apply for a novel authorisation for travelling. You will be required to submit a novel ESTA application in the conditions mentioned below:

Your ESTA expires at the time of your trip to the United States
There is a change in your personal information
Your passport has been recently renewed
The expiration of your ESTA has already taken place

Expiration Date of an ESTA

The travel authorisation of an ESTA is valid for a couple of years starting from the date on which it is issued. It may be utilised for travelling to the US a number of times during the validity period. You may find the expiry date of the ESTA on the electronic mail that is sent to you upon your application’s approval. Generally, travellers are especially advised to confirm the validity initially prior to the date of departure. In case you find out that your ESTA expiry date is close to your date of departure, you may utilise the express ESTA service that guarantees an hour’s processing time.

Will you be able to renew the ESTA prior to its expiration?

You will not be required to wait until the expiry of your ESTA for reapplication. You may simply submit a novel application prior to the expiration date of the ESTA demonstrated on the email of authorization. When the novel authorisation of travelling is approved, the current one becomes invalid and you will be issued a novel ESTA. You must know that one cannot renew an old ESTA but you can always issue a novel one.

How long does the ESTA last?

Commonly, an ESTA lasts for 24 months. In case all your details stay the same, you may wait for 2 years prior to the request of a novel visa waiver. You will not be required to apply for one every single time you travel even if that means multiply trips to the United States. Nonetheless, it is crucial to remember the following ESTA criteria that must be met:

Your trip can be only for the purpose of transit, business, or tourism
You can stay in the United States for a maximum of 90 days consecutively.

In order to stay for more than 3 months in the US, you will be required to apply for a visa to the US instead of using an ESTA.

In which cases is the ESTA valid for less than 24 months?

If you are planning a trip to the United States, it is crucial to check the validity of your ESTA. The following are when you will be required to reapply: