{"id":2333,"date":"2020-01-31T17:54:31","date_gmt":"2020-01-31T17:54:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usa-gv.com\/esta\/"},"modified":"2025-02-25T11:50:15","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T11:50:15","slug":"formalities-usa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/usa-gv.com\/en\/formalities-usa\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel formalities in the USA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Formalities to enter the United States<\/h1>\n\n

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has set up a computerized system to enhance national security and facilitate short-term stays for foreign nationals.\nThis platform enables travelers’ risks to be assessed prior to their arrival in the United States.\nTravelers fill out an online application before departure to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). <\/p>\n\n

ESTA authorization can be obtained in just a few minutes<\/strong> by completing the online ESTA form<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

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The United States introduced this system of prior authorization for travel<\/a> for three main reasons:<\/p>\n\n

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  1. To strengthen national security<\/strong>: ESTA enables the US authorities to better control and monitor travelers to the USA without a visa, by requesting personal information and carrying out security checks prior to arrival.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Making travel easier<\/strong>: For travelers from eligible countries, ESTA simplifies the application process compared with obtaining a traditional visa. This facilitates travel to the United States for tourism, business or short-term transit. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Reduce paper processing<\/strong>: By automating part of the verification and application process, ESTA reduces the administrative burden for travelers and immigration authorities alike.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n

    See our page to find out what ESTA is all about<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n

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    ESTA as part of the US Visa Waiver Program<\/h2>\n\n

    ESTA is part of the Visa Waiver Program<\/a>. This U.S. visa waiver program allows nationals of certain countries to travel to the U.S. without a visa for short-term tourist, business or transit purposes. Member countries of the Visa Waiver Program collaborate effectively with the United States in the fight against terrorism. They strengthen border control and enable the enforcement of US national security laws.<\/p>\n\n

    Apply for ESTA authorization<\/h2>\n\n

    Not all travellers can obtain an ESTA<\/a>. Travelers wishing to apply must first check that they meet the ESTA eligibility requirements<\/a>. These conditions determine which nationals of VWP member countries can travel to the U.S. for stays of less than 90 days without needing a traditional visa. <\/p>\n\n

    ESTA authorization allows you to travel to the USA for business or pleasure. It is also possible to transit the USA with an ESTA<\/a>. All travelers must have a personal authorization to travel. Parents must apply for an ESTA for minors<\/a> for each child, regardless of age. <\/p>\n\n

    To apply for ESTA<\/a>, applicants must log on to the official ESTA website<\/a> to fill in the ESTA form<\/a>. The online process takes just a few minutes once the applicant has all their travel information. The questions on the ESTA form<\/a> fall into four different categories: <\/p>\n\n