Remember to apply for US Travel Authorization
From 12 January 2009 all travellers planning to travel to or transiting through the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must apply for travel authorization before they travel.
Travellers have been able to apply for travel authorization since August, but from 12 January 2009, you will no longer be allowed to travel to the US without authorization from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, if your travelling under the VWP.
For travellers from the VWP Expansion Countries (the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia) an approved travel authorization became mandatory on 17 November 2008.
Where and How to Apply
You apply for travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website and the process is pretty straightforward.
During the 4 step application process you’ll be asked to provide the same information that travellers currently provide on the paper I94W Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure Form. In addition you’ll also be asked to provide your email and telephone details.
It is, at the time of writing, free to apply and you can apply at any time prior to your travel. However the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends applying at least 72 hours before you travel.
The Application Process – step by step
My partner successfully applied for travel authorization yesterday and so you can have the information ready, these were the steps:
Step 1 – The Application
In step 1 you’re asked for the following information:
Applicant Information
- name
- date of birth
- country of citizenship
- country where you live
- telephone number
- gender
- email address
Passport Information
- passport number
- passport issuance date
- passport issuing country
- passport expiration date
Travel Information
- city where you are boarding
- carrier code (you choose from a drop down list of airlines)
- flight number
Address while in the US
- address, city and state
7 Screening Questions
These questions are the same as on the I94W paper form.
Step 2 – Review
Once you’ve submitted the above information, you’ll be asked to review your information. When you’re happy with your information, you’ll need to re-enter your passport number + enter the Captcha code displayed on the screen, before you hit the “next” button.
Step 3 – Application Number
In the following window, you’ll get your application number. You’ll need to save this number as it is required in case you need to check the status of your application or if you need to update it.
Step 4 – Application Response
In the final window you’ll receive one of the following responses: Authorization Approved, Travel Not Authorized (meaning you’re not allowed to travel under the VWP, but may be able to get a visa) or Authorization Pending (meaning you’ll have to check the status later). If you received the “Authorization Approved” message, you’re now done. You’re not required to do so, but before you close the window you’re advised to print this page. If you need to apply for another traveller, you can also do so from this final window. All travellers including babies must have authorization.
How long is it valid?
If you receive travel authorization, it is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Within that time period you can use the same travel authorization for further US visits simply by updating the flight and other relevant information.
In order to make the updates you’ll need to provide your application number, passport number and date of birth. Only the “Address while in the US”, the flight details, your email and telephone number can be updated on an existing travel authorization, any other updates requires a new application.
Further Information
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website, is the official website for all up-to-date information about US travel authorization. The website has a help section available in 16 languages.
You can also download an ESTA fact sheet (PDF) on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
Best of luck with your application and remember, if you’re travelling with your family, everyone, including babies, must receive authorization!
TAGS: ESTA, travel, travel authorization, USA, Visa Waiver Program
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