How to apply for an ESTA before travelling to the USA – ultimate travel hacks

Travelling to the USA can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary paperwork in order before you go. One of the most important documents you’ll need is an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). An ESTA is an online application that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the USA without a visa.

Applying for an ESTA is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things you should know before you start. Here are some ultimate travel hacks for applying for an ESTA before travelling to the USA:

1. Check Your Eligibility: The first step in applying for an ESTA is to check your eligibility. You must be a citizen of one of the 38 countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in order to apply for an ESTA. If you’re not sure if your country participates in the VWP, you can check here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html

2. Gather Required Documents: Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, it’s time to gather all of the required documents for your application. You will need a valid passport from one of the VWP countries, as well as any other documents that may be required by your country of origin (such as birth certificates or marriage certificates).

3. Complete The Online Application: Once you have all of your documents ready, it’s time to complete the online application form on the U.S Department of Homeland Security website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov). This form will ask for basic information such as your name, address, and passport details, as well as questions about your travel plans and any criminal history or health issues that may affect your eligibility for entry into the USA.

4. Pay The Fee: Once you have completed and submitted your application form, you will need to pay a fee of $14 USD using a credit or debit card or PayPal account before it can be processed by U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

5. Receive Your Authorization: After submitting your payment information, CBP will review your application and either approve or deny it within 72 hours (in most cases). If approved, CBP will send an email with confirmation details and instructions on how to access your authorization online via their website or mobile app (available on iOS and Android devices).

6. Print Your Authorization: Once you have received confirmation from CBP that your application has been approved, it’s important that you print out a copy of your authorization and keep it with you at all times while travelling in the USA – this document is required by U.S Customs officials when entering or leaving the country and must be presented upon request at any port of entry into the USA (including airports).

Following these steps should ensure that applying for an ESTA before travelling to the USA is quick and easy – just remember to check if you are eligible first! Good luck!