How to fill usa esta application online?

It has been made mandatory for US travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries to get USA ETSA visa online otherwise they won’t be allowed to enter into the US territory. The online visa application is simplified to the extent where anyone including a kid can apply for ETSA visa. Also it isn’t mandatory that the travelers fill their visa applications.

What is ETSA?

ETSA stands for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization and it came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a simple online visa application and its objective is to prescreen the travelers. Only biometric information like passport and contact details of the traveler are asked in the application. Also a small sum of US $14 is charged as processing fee for the electronic visa. Applications are available on government websites and also there are third-party sites that help in obtaining electronic visa.

Guidelines for filling the visa application

ESTA application is simple but one has to be careful while entering his details as a little mistake in providing details could result in mismatch and denial of visa. Information like contact details can be changed but crucial details like passport number and date of issue can’t be edited. If a wrong passport number is entered then the visa application will be turned down as the details provided won’t match with the details available with US authorities.

Important information on electronic visa

The visa is provided for two years but it is deemed expired, if the passport is cancelled or the visa holder gets a new passport. In both the conditions, the traveler has to apply for a new electronic visa. Also the visa is for staying in the US and its territories for a maximum of 90 days. If the traveler intends to stay longer then a regular visa is needed.

How to apply for electronic visa?

Electronic visa applications can be sent online from government websites. But applicants can also take advantage of third party sites that provide comprehensive information along with the application. Since the applicants have to carefully enter their details in the application, it is better they first understand USA ESTA visa guidelines and then start filling the application.

Application for electronic visa can be filled and sent 72 hours before travel and the permission can be obtained within an hour. But electronic visa isn’t the permission to enter into the US territory.

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