What is US’ ESTA Programme?

You’ve probably heard about citizens of some countries who can travel and stay in the United States for up to 90-days without a visa, it is called ESTA programme.

What is ESTA?

ESTA means Electronic System for Travel Authorization which is a web-based automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors who wish to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

If you are not a citizen of the 40-member countries, you cannot enter, for instance, the United States, without a visa. For instance, a UK citizen visiting the US can enter without a visa.

Who is eligible for Visa Waiver Program?

The eligibility is based on nationals of 40 countries that enjoy the privileges of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and backed by the following requirements:

1) You must have a return ticket

2) If you intend to enter the US for a maximum of 90 days or less for pleasure, business, or transit.

3) You must have a valid passport lawfully issued to you by a Visa Waiver Program country. It isn’t available to all countries

4) If you arrive through a Visa Waiver Program signatory carrier

5) You must be admissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act

6) You must pass the screening of the officials of the United States Customs and Border Protection that you are not a threat to the peace, welfare, health, safety, and security of the US.

More about eligibility is available on the visa info on the official site of the U.S Customs and Border Protection,

How many countries are eligible for US’ Visa Waiver Programme?

Nationals of 40 countries – dominated by European countries – enjoy the Visa Waiver Program to enter the US for up to 90 days without a visa

Summary:

US’ ESTA programme is a traveling privilege accorded 40 countries, most of which are European countries to enter the United States without a visa for up to 90 days.