Government launches in 40 countries and 24 languages ​​a mobile application which will allow those nationals to expedite visa-free travel procedures to the United States as holders of a B1/B2 visa for tourism or business travel.

The Office of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said that the new digital tool will allow travelers who are potentially eligible for entry under the Visa Waiver Program or Visa Waiver Program (VWP) “to submit applications ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) easily and quickly from their smartphone, mobile device or tablet”.

The VWP, created by Congress in 1986, allows citizens of 41 countries to enter the United States without a visa with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days after which they must leave the country.

The entry process “requires only that travelers obtain valid authorization through ESTA before commencing travel to the United States,” explains the book ‘Immigration: the new rules’. Upon arrival at the port of entry, the person must go through a security filter “and the entry will be registered in the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) VISIT US VISIT program,” he added.

The ESTA system is administered by CBP and was set up under the VWP to “strengthen safe travel to the United States,” according to the agency.

“This is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors traveling to the United States and whether such travel poses a security or law enforcement risk,” he added.

The new app reinforces CBP’s mobile app strategy and “is part of the technology developments implemented in recent years,” said Matthew Davies, CBP’s executive director of reception and passenger programs.

Prior to the launch of the ESTA mobile app, travelers applied for authorization only through the official CBP website, which continues to offer the ESTA app.

“As the use of smartphones and tablets increases, CBP recognizes the need to provide a mobile experience for applicants,” the agency said.

From now on, VWP travelers will be able via a new mobile app:

• Start the ESTA application
• Scan your passport image
• Have your passport scanned and confirmed
• Upload a live selfie video to confirm your identity
• Add personal and travel details to your app
• Answer eligibility questions
• Review and submit your application
• Make changes or updates to your app or profile
• Receive app status notifications and updates
• Save time by saving your preferences and profile details within the app

Other application details:

• It is available in 24 different languages
• Designed to assist travelers in 40 countries whose citizens have DHS clearance to travel to the US for business or tourism to stay up to 90 days without a visa
• Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• ESTA was created in 2008 as a highly effective verification and security tool under the VWP

The VWP includes 41 countries whose citizens enter the United States without a visa for up to 90 days.

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

Beneficiaries, after showing themselves at the entrance, waive their right of review in the event that the immigration officer does not allow them to enter, unless they are asylum seekers. Foreigners also cannot oppose expulsion.

Foreigners using the VWP face difficulties if they need another type of visa to stay in the United States. The Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) explains that, if they wish to do so, travelers must leave and then appear at the US consulate in their home country to process an entry visa as a non-immigrant.

Travelers entering under the program should be aware that they cannot travel if they have violated the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) in the past, such as entering illegally or remaining undocumented.

Immigration lawyers consulted by Univision News reiterated that “if you have a criminal record or doubt about your eligibility to use the tool and qualify under the VWP, seek legal advice before contacting the US federal government.”