If you are planning a trip to the U.S. anytime in the next 2 years, you can save a little money if you complete the ESTA beforet this date. You don’t have to have a trip booked to complete the ESTA and it is valid for two years or until your passport expires if that is sooner. Applications are simple, but do be careful to use the official site, not one of the bogus sites that may charge now, or charge more once the fee is online. The correct website is this: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.

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The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) was originally introduced by the U.S. Customs and Borders Patrol on January 12 2009. There were some problems with encouraging all travellers to complete the form online and full implimentation was delayed for a while. It is now mandatory and you must complete an ESTA at least 72 hours before you travel to the U.S. The ESTA replaces the Green Visa Waiver form traditionally completed on the plane. Once completed it is valid for 2 years. Please make sure you only complete the ESTA at the approved website administered by the CBP. There are a number of websites attempting to complete the ESTA for you and charging for the privilege. It is not complicated, and you should not need any help to complete the form. I have posted some Q and A’s for your information below:

Q: How does the ESTA work?

A: VWP travelers or an intermediary (such as a travel agent) will go online to the ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ and apply for a travel authorization by submitting basic biographical information, flight information and answers to a few VWP eligibility questions. ESTA will instantly review the information for any possible security risks and determine if the person is eligible to travel to the United States without a visa. Each traveler will receive one of three responses within a few minutes of an ESTA application: Authorization Approved, Authorization Pending, or Travel Not Authorized. Applicants who receive an Authorization Pending response will need to check the ESTA Web site for an update on their application within 72 hours to receive a final response. Applicants whose ESTA applications are denied will be referred to a U.S. consulate for information on how to apply for a visa to travel to the United States.

Q: If a person is denied travel authorization through ESTA, is he/she still able to travel to the United States?

A: The traveler may still be eligible to travel to the United States but will be required to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Q: Can a foreign traveler be denied entry to the United States upon arrival even if they are authorized through ESTA?

A: Yes. ESTA authorizes travel to the United States, but Customs & Border Patrol officers will still assess eligibility for entry into the United States at the port of entry.

Q: Do travelers need to apply for a travel authorization through ESTA prior to every trip to the United States?

A: No, each ESTA will be valid for two years and will permit unlimited travel to the United States in that time frame without having to needlessly update personal information prior to each trip.