Traveling to the United States as a visitor can seem like a complicated process but it doesn’t need to be. It can be a simple process with the right resources and helpful customer service. ESTA makes it easy for you to apply for the Visa Waiver Program using a simple application process. When you arrive at U.S. customs and immigration you can rest assured that your paperwork is ready and you will be allowed into the country.

First, let’s get to know ESTA and the Visa Waiver Program a little better by understanding the basics.

What is ESTA?

ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It was created by the United States government to pre-screen travelers before they depart from their home country to the U.S. The ESTA system determines if visitors can then travel to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Applying for ESTA is needed to travel to the U.S. but it is a simple and fast process.

What is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program is run by the Department of Homeland Security and it allows citizens of certain countries the ability to travel to the United States without a visa. They are permitted to travel for tourism or business as for 90 days or less. The first step in applying for the Visa Waiver Program is applying for ESTA. Once you apply for ESTA you can be accepted into the Visa Waiver Program which allows you to travel to the U.S.

Who Needs to Apply for ESTA?

If you are entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program you need to apply for ESTA first. This allows the Department of Homeland Security to pre-approve Visa Waiver Travelers before they leave their own countries. You can apply for ESTA if you do not already have a visitors visa. ESTA will determine if you can qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. Only select countries are are Visa Waiver Countries and you will find that list below.

If you are traveling to the U.S. to find employment, study, or move there permanently you will need to apply for a visa and will not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. This program primarily is for business and tourism.

Which Countries Are Visa Waiver Countries?

There are a total of 38 Visa Waiver Countries. Check below to see if your home country qualifies. If your country is listed you can enter the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa first by applying for ESTA.

How to Apply for ESTA

Using a service to apply for ESTA will help to make sure your application is approved. You will have help from a professional to guide you through the ESTA application process  to make sure you do not miss a step and don’t make any errors before you submit it for approval. Their goal is to make sure you are approved for the Visa Waiver Program and can enter the United States.

If you are in a rush there are expedited services available for ESTA and they will even offer a refund if it is not approved. But with more than 95% of applicants approved they will take the guess work out of ESTA and the Visa Waiver Program to help make your trip to the U.S. easy.

Take all of the stress out of entering the U.S. by using a friendly, fast, and simple service to apply for ESTA.

Learn more about ESTA and get started here.