Things travelers need to know about ESTA visa

If you are applying for ESTA USA visa then you should first know what electronic system is, how it works and what advantages you can get from this system. It is learnt that travelers fill their application without understanding value of the electronic system and the get disappointed when their applications are turned down or they are denied permission at the border checking.

It is an electronic visa clearance system

ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization and it is part of VWP announced in 1986. ESTA came into force in August 2008 and since then it is working as a single window for visa applicants. The system is devised to ease visa applicants from friendly countries participating under VWP. But it is prescreening process and not visa.

Prescreening

Visa USA ESTA is a process to screen the applicants and provide a detailed report on the applicants. Travelers need to carry their ESTA numbers they are provided when filing for visa for US travel. Travel documents including the ESTA status is checked by US Customs and Border Protection officers and if they find the travelers reliable, the officers allow the travelers to enter into US territory.

Visa for short term visitors

VWP is provided to visitors that are visiting US for 90 days. The visit could be business, leisure or for family but it shouldn’t be more than 90 days. And if a visitor plans to extend his stay beyond 90 days then he is advised to apply for a regular visa through embassy.

It is valid for 2 years

ESTA visa for USA is valid for two years from date of issue butif the passport of the visa holders expires before two years then the visa is also cancelled. New visa application has to be submitted for few passports. Also the ESTA visa can’t be renewed. Once it is expired, the travelers have to apply for new visa.

How to submit ESTA visa application?

Since you know important things about ESTA visa, you can now submit your application for a visa under VWP. Application for ESTA is available online on US government website. Or you can take help of a third-party website like a travel site to fill the visa application. You will be charged a small fee for the application and you can expect response within an hour or two. If you don’t get response, you can go to US embassy for a regular visa.

For More info about Travel Visa to USA please visit on related article 

http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/travel/eligibility-and-conditions-for-etsa-visa-system.html