Why is ESTA visa USA mandatory for VWP travelers

US travelers from countries participating in VWP program have an advantage that is they need not going through the regular visa route to get permission to enter into US territory for business, leisure and personal visits. They can simply obtain an electronic visa by filling ESTA visa application and get clearance on their arrival at airport.

Once they have electronic visa, they don’t need applying for another visa for two years. And also they can stay in US for 90 days but not beyond this period. But there are no worries as they can apply for a regular visa in the US, if they want to extend their stay for more than the permissible limit that is 90 days. It is good gesture on the part of US government and it shows that the government is concerned about security and convenience of its guests.

ESTA visa for USA has been made mandatory from 12 January 2009 and it is called pre-screening. Actually the VWP program waives need of visa and the electronic system of visa is introduced only after 9/11 attacks. The US government is determined to strengthen security of its citizens by discouraging unsocial elements and people from enemy countries from entering its territory. But the travelers need not worrying about the electronic visa. They can easily obtain their visa within an hour of sending their application.

Ideally a traveler should apply for electronic visa as soon he starts preparing for the travel as the application could he withheld for any reason and if it happens, the traveler could apply for a regular visa. But such situation never comes. Application for electronic visa can be sent 72 before the travel and permission is granted within an hour. Also the traveler is free to send his application from government website or a third-party site.

Electronic visa ESTA USA is a prescreening process as the travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries need no visa for short trips. ETSA helps travelers in getting clearance from US authorities in a hassle free manner. But the electronic visa shouldn’t be taken lightly as if it is turned down, the traveler won’t be allowed to enter into the US territory.

If you are applying for electronic visa then stay prepared to fill the application in right way and also make sure that you have ample time to apply for a regular visa, if your application for electronic visa is turned down.

Things you should know before you apply for ESTA USA visa

Not everyone traveling to US is eligible for exclusive ESTA visa that is electronic visa. It is only travelers from member countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program of US that are allowed to apply for electronic visa. Also the visa is available only for short stay that must be more than 90 days.

Understanding VWP

Visa Waiver Program is a special visa program created to facilitate US travel in 1986 and other nations are invited to join the program. UK became the first nation to join the VWP program followed by Japan and France. In August 2008, US government further eased visa rules for the travelers. A new electronic system called USA ESTA visa was created to provide visa under VWP.

The new electronic visa system

It is actually a prescreening of the travelers and its objective is to help travelers and the US authorities. When a traveler files for ESTA visa, he is provided a number that he needs carrying along with his travel documents. The US authorities screen the traveler from his ESTA number and allow him to enter the US only when the traveler is found to be a friend of the US. But the authorities could deny entry, if they find the traveler suspicious.

How this system works?

It is an online system and there is no way that online esta application are accepted physically. One has to be careful when entering details in the application as a wrong entry could be a reason for application turning down by the authorities. Also the applicants have to pay a small fee for ESTA visa for USA. The fee is $14 and it is paid online. As soon as the application is accepted, it is scrutinized and visa is granted within an hour.

What if the ESTA application is turned down?

When an application is turned down, the applicant can approach the embassy for a regular visa. Here it is necessary to mention that ESTA is only a prescreening and not a visa and turning down of ESTA application isn’t end to the road. But there are little chances of US authorities turning down an ESTA application, if the applicant is fulfilling all the conditions.

How to apply for ESTA visa?

Go to US government website to apply for ESTA Visa USA or you can also take help of a third-party website to get electronic visa. If you are taking help of a third-party site then be careful as it could be a fraudster.

For More info about ESTA Visa USA please visit on related article http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/travel/simplifying-the-esta-process-for-us-travel-visa.html

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 

Convenience of ETSA visa for US travel

US enacted a new visa law in 2009. It is called Visa Waiver Program and its objective is to relax visa rules for selected countries. Presently there are 38 countries included in the list of VWP countries but this number is expected to increase.

What relaxations are provided to VWP applicants?

Terms and conditions for granting visa are same as US government is committed to prevent criminals and anarchists from entering its territories but at the same time it doesn’t want to create unnecessary hassle for reliable visitors. ETSA USA visa is provided online and it is a big relief for applicants that are from friendly countries.

What is the biggest advantage of ETSA visa?

Its advantage is that it is quick. It can be said that ETSA is the shortest route to visa. For instance, the application can be submitted 72 hours before the journey and it can get cleared within 24 hours of submission of application. Approval is provided online and approval is sent through email. Applicants can check status of their applications on the web instead of going to the embassy.

What if the ETSA visa application is turned down?

First thing the applicants should understand that it isn’t the end to road. If your USA ESTA application under VWP is turned down, you can go through the regular route and get the visa. But there should be ample time to apply for regular visa. ETSA shortens visa route but it isn’t a visa. It is permission to land on US territory, where the travelers are screened again and allowed to enter the US, if they pass the screening tests.

What ETSA system does is it prescreens the visa applicants. Some countries are kept free from regular visa process because the US takes those countries as safe. They are 38 in number but this number is subject to changes by US government. ETSA visa for USA is travelers that are friend of US.And it is easy to get ETSA permission as it is provided online.

Things to consider when submitting ETSA application

First important thing about travel visa to USA is the information itself. Be careful when entering information like passport number and your citizenship status. You need providing information on your medical history and also on the legal cases you are fighting. Also make sure that the information provided is authentic to best of your knowledge.