28 Nov 15:32

What documents do I need for my ESTA application?

What is the ESTA application’s purpose? ESTA is a required formality for passengers participating in the Visa Waiver Program.

An ESTA is necessary whether you are visiting the United States for leisure, business, or transportation.

Travelers who do not pay close attention to the documentation required while applying online will have a lower probability of getting their application approved.

It is therefore important to be informed of all factors for the right completion of the online esta form in order to have an authorised request and a calm stay.

What is the ESTA application?

An ESTA USA application (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) is a 2008 electronic travel authorization. Initially free and discretionary, it became necessary and subject to payment after the first year of the trial period in 2009.

It is an option for staying in the United States without obtaining a conventional American travel visa.

The ESTA permission is a mechanism of entrance into the United States made possible by the travel waiver programme. It is granted by American officials to passengers who desire to enter the country by air or water.

These will be allowed to stay on US land for a maximum of three months each trip.

The scheme is intended for nationals of Italy and the forty VWP (Visa Waiver Program) signatory nations, which include Italy, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Germany, and others.

These nations were chosen because the inhabitants of these countries represent no risk or harm to US national security.

It should be noted that the United States has strained diplomatic ties with a number of nations, including Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Iran, North Korea, Yemen, and Somalia. Citizens of VWP member nations who visited after March 2011 will be unable to receive their ESTA Online.

The DHS department of Homeland Security (National Security), which runs the Esta programme, has officially ruled such tourists ineligible for online travel authorisation, instead asking them to seek for a formal entry visa at the embassy.

These stringent security procedures have been put in place to prevent terrorist attacks on American territory.

What documents are required to apply for ESTA?

The United States requires a list of documents required for visitors to enter its territory, as well as if they are in transit to another country as a final destination.

At border or transit points, these documents must be presented.

The main documents

The documents necessary to cross the border into American territory are many, but it is highly likely that persons planning to travel to the United States already have them:

• A valid United States passport: a biometric or electronic passport is necessary to go to the United States. In the case of Italy, biometric passports have been issued by the government since October 26, 2006.
  Remember to renew your card if it expires throughout the duration of your visit.
• A payment method: the submission of the online application form is contingent on the payment of an ESTA charge. The applicant must have a payment method, such as a credit card or a PayPal account.
• An e-mail address: This must be legitimate, as the response to the authorisation request will be sent to this address. As a result, before confirming and completing the online form, double-check for any typos or other problems.

It is feasible to renew a passport while in the United States, but it is exhausting and time consuming.

Additional Documents

Authorities in the United States may require further papers, such as:

• A letter of recommendation from the employer;
  The online application already asks for work information, which is optional. Your employer may be compelled to provide an official statement of employment.
• A bank account statement; to demonstrate your financial stability and links to your nation.
• Upon arrival, a return flight ticket and a hotel reservation;
• Contact details once in the United States.

Such requests are extremely unusual, although ESTA form holders have had them.

It is also a good idea to carry everything you need for a relaxing holiday.

It is good, for example, to carry a copy of your ESTA permission with you. Once approved, do not hesitate to print it and keep it with your other travel documents.

Even if they already have the electronic version on their monitor, customs officials may request it at the airport.

Furthermore, if you intend to stay in the United States for an extended period of time, USA travel insurance is a must-have additional document.

It is obviously optional for Italian visitors, but having one enables for a more peaceful voyage.

In the case of an accident, travel insurance takes the required steps to repatriate the covered individual.

Health insurance is also required. It covers medical expenditures in the event that the individual becomes ill or requires medical attention in general.

Learn more about the passport

The passport is a requirement for entering the United States.

Airline officials have the authority to prohibit boarding to travellers whose passports are:

• In Poor Condition: The document is torn, punctured, smudged, or damaged. It has liquid traces. It is harmed by chemicals. A passport picture is missing.
• The information in the passport does not match the information on the ESTA form (surname, first name, address, nationality).
• Heavily Worn: The passport has progressed beyond the regular wear stage. Pages are damaged, crushed, or charred. The cover is unrecognisable. The data is illegible.

If you have any issues concerning the validity of your passport, you can contact the US Department of State at application-esta.us.

If you are concerned that your passport may be invalid, please contact us via the website for assistance.

You should also be aware that the ESTA paperwork does not guarantee admission to the United States. Its purpose is to allow the possessor to board a plane or a watercraft bound for the United States.

The traveller will be subjected to further immigration inspections upon arrival at the US airport. Customs agents will be allowed to ask questions and clarify the purpose of the visit.

This check will be the final requirement before entering the United States.

Gen. Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport, Boston

How can I get ESTA authorization?

Obtaining an electronic travel authorization is only available online and involves several steps.

To do this, you’ll need an internet connection, a web browser, and a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Prepare the necessary documents

Before accessing the website and the online form, the applicant for electronic travel authorisation must have the following papers with him:

• A biometric or electronic passport;
• A credit card, debit card, or PayPal account is required.

You will not need to gather any more papers at this time, such as your travel insurance certificate or your employer’s certificate.

If they are necessary, keep them with your other travel papers since you will need them upon boarding or arriving at your destination.

Fill out the online form

Navigate to our website to find the ESTA form to complete.

Then follow these steps:

• At the top right of the screen, select the language;
• Select the “Request This” option;
• Read the material and accept the terms by clicking on the appropriate button.
• Fill out the health, background, and criminal history questionnaire.
• Please provide passport details.
• Enter your airline and flight number;
• In the event of an emergency, designate a person for US authorities to call.
• Please include your home or lodging address after you arrive in the United States.

Pay the Authorization Fee

The final step in submitting your ESTA application is to pay the administrative costs. Payment is made over the internet. The system will confirm or reject the payment in a matter of seconds.

The application will be processed as soon as the money is received successfully.

Within a few hours, an answer to the ESTA question is sent from the specified e-mail address. It can take up to 72 hours for this to be approved.