The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a program that allows citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to travel to the United States without a visa.
This program is designed for short-term travel, such as tourism or business, but it is important to note that ESTA is not a substitute for a student visa.
Below is an overview of ESTA and important points to keep in mind when applying.
Overview of ESTA
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Eligibility: Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can apply for ESTA. The following countries are eligible:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan*, United Kingdom** - Purpose: ESTA can be used for tourism, business, medical purposes, or short-term study (fewer than 18 hours of classes per week). For long-term studies or full-time enrollment, a student visa is required.
- Duration: ESTA allows you to stay in the United States for a maximum of 90 days. Staying beyond this limit is considered illegal, so make sure to depart the U.S. before your stay exceeds 90 days.
- Important Note: ESTA is not a visa. You cannot change your status to another visa (such as an F-1 student visa) while staying in the U.S. on ESTA. If you need to switch to another visa type, you must leave the country and apply for the visa from abroad.
- How to Apply: You can apply for ESTA online through the official U.S. Embassy website. The application fee is $14, payable by credit card.
Important Points When Applying for ESTA
- Apply Early: It is recommended to apply for ESTA at least two weeks before your trip, even though it can be done up to 72 hours before boarding your flight.
- Validity: ESTA is valid for two years from the date of application, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- No Guaranteed Entry: Having an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry to the U.S. The final decision is made by U.S. immigration officials upon your arrival.
- Beware of Overstaying: The maximum stay on ESTA is 90 days. Overstaying this limit is illegal, and you may be denied entry on future visits.
- Answer Questions Carefully: The ESTA application process can be completed on a smartphone, but it is recommended to use a computer to ensure accurate answers to all important questions.
Warnings for ESTA Users
If you engage in illegal activities during your stay in the U.S., you may face future entry bans.
Pay special attention to the following:
- Overstaying: The maximum stay on ESTA is 90 days. Staying beyond this limit will result in illegal status and could lead to a denial of entry on future visits.
- Illegal Employment: Working while on ESTA is prohibited. If caught working illegally, you could be banned from entering the U.S. again.
- Other Illegal Activities: Fraud, theft, drunk driving, and illegal sexual activities are all considered serious offenses and can result in restrictions on future travel to the U.S.
Enjoying a Safe Stay in the U.S. with ESTA
ESTA is a convenient option for short-term travel to the U.S. for tourism or business, but there are several important rules and restrictions to keep in mind.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable stay in the United States.