The ESTA is an official authorization for temporary stays in the USA. This travel document was introduced in 2009 by the American authorities to strengthen the country’s internal security. The ESTA declaration allows you to enter the USA without a visa.
This electronic travel system is mandatory for anyone intending to visit the USA for a stay of less than 90 days. Let’s take a look at this authorization to stay in the USA, used by millions of travelers every year.
ESTA declaration: the questionnaire to fill in
The ESTA application and registration process takes the form of an online form. This document is available on the official U.S. government website, or on a specialized private website offering individualized assistance.
The ESTA questionnaire is issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Its main purpose is to enable the authorities to assess the traveler’s level of dangerousness. The U.S. government wants to prevent any threat to its citizens.
The online form requires several types of information. First of all, you need to fill in your personal details and provide some information from your biometric or electronic passport (date of issue, country of issue, passport number, etc.). Next, you’ll need to give details of your stay in the U.S. (reason for travel, local address, emergency contact). Finally, there are ten or so yes/no questions. These are designed to find out whether you are a carrier of a transmissible disease (STI, tuberculosis, etc.), have a criminal record or have recently traveled to a Muslim country on the American blacklist (Iraq, Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen).
When you’ve finished filling in the ESTA form, all that’s left to do is make your payment online to finalize your ESTA application. All you need is a credit card (Visa, Master Card, American Express…).
What are the possible responses to online ESTA declarations?
After your answers to the questionnaire have been analyzed by computer systems, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security may grant, deny or put on hold your request for authorization. In all cases, a final decision is made no later than 72 hours after the request is sent.
ESTA authorization granted: what does it mean?
If your ESTA application is approved, you can travel to the USA as often as you like for up to two years. Please note that the ESTA declaration is a temporary authorization, and your stays in the USA must be limited in time (90 days maximum). If you plan to stay longer than this, you’ll need to apply for a visa at the US embassy.
When the validity of your ESTA expires, you can reapply, following the same formalities as for your first order. Before validating your new application, make sure you have a valid passport when you travel to the United States.
ESTA authorization refused: possible remedies
If your ESTA application has been rejected, the first thing to do is make sure you haven’t made any mistakes when entering the form. If it is indeed a typing error or an oversight, you can submit a new application online. A waiting period of a few days will be required, however.
The refusal may also be due to the fact that you do not meet the eligibility requirements for ESTA. This means you won’t be able to travel to the USA under the visa waiver. In this case, you’ll have to take all the necessary steps with the consular services of the American embassy to apply for a visa.
