Preparing for a trip to America begins with an important step: applying for an ESTA Visa, an electronic tool that simplifies the process for citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

An ESTA Visa, or Electronic Travel Authorization for the United States, is an important requirement for citizens of countries that fall under the VWP.

This program allows visitors to make short visits, 90 days or less, for tourism, business or transit purposes without the need to obtain a conventional visa.

Basic Requirements for Applying for ESTA Visa

One of the most asked questions by those traveling to America is how to apply for ESTA visaTo do this, they must first ensure that they meet the basic requirements. This includes having a valid passport, intending to travel for pleasure, business or transit, and being a citizen of a VWP participating country.

The application process is carried out electronically through the official Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) portal.

Make sure you have a secure internet connection and access to your passport information before starting.

The application form collects personal information, passport details, contact information and current employment details.

Answer each question accurately and review it carefully before submitting to avoid mistakes that could delay the process.

ESTA visas are subject to a processing fee, which must be paid electronically upon completion of the application.

You must have a valid debit or credit card to make this payment securely.

After submitting your application, you must monitor its status via the ESTA portal. Responses are generally processed within minutes, but it is recommended to submit the application at least 72 hours before travel to prevent potential inconvenience.

Once approved, it is recommended to print a copy of the permit to carry with you during your trip.

Although the ESTA Visa is linked electronically to your passport, having a physical copy provides additional backup in case of technical problems.

Applying for an ESTA Visa is a fundamental step for those who wish to travel to the United States and are from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. By following these steps, you can ensure everything is organized for your trip.

Remember, anticipation and thoroughness are key in this process.

Which countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes without obtaining a conventional visa.

These are some of the countries participating in the VWP, but keep in mind that this list is subject to change, and it is important to check the latest information on the official US Department of State website.

The VWP countries are: Germany, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Portugal, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, South Korea, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan.

It is important to note that participation in the VWP is subject to change, and some citizens of these countries may need to obtain a visa if they have recently traveled to certain countries or hold dual citizenship.

In addition, the duration and purpose of travel permitted under the VWP are also subject to specific regulations.

Before planning your trip, we recommend checking the latest information on the official US Department of State website or contacting the US embassy or consulate in your country.

Author

Saltillo Herald

Newspaper with the longest tradition in Saltillo.