The joys of paperwork: part 2

Bonjorno!

As promised, this week’s post will be devoted completely to the ESTA-application. Let’s start with the basics, shall we? What is this ESTA you speak of? Where did it come from? And what in God’s name is it doing here? All questions that we’ll try to answer for you today!

ESTA is short for Electronic System for Travel Authorization and that really says it all, doesn’t it. It’s an electronic way to ask for permission to enter the United States for your journey. It’s part of yet another abbreviation, namely VWP (Visa Waiver Program). This program was created to make travelling abroad possible without needing a visa. Obviously the United States can’t just have anyone without a visa cross their borders, so they cleverly replaced it by the ESTA. 

(Wikipedia)

The ESTA was created by the Department of Homeland Security. It’s most pertinent goal is using a more thorough and efficient screening of all visitors to improve safety. This is why, when you’re filling out your application, you’ll have to answer some questions about your judicial past and –if applicable- any (mental) illnesses you may have (had). Am I the only one who immediately gets this picture in her head while reading this?

Anywho, with an ESTA you can visit the U.S. without a visa as long as your holiday doesn’t last more than 90 days. The authorization is valid for two years and costs $14.

(ESTA)

Apparently there are some commercial websites that offer an ESTA saying that they are affiliated with the Department of Homeland Security. This is NOT the case! You can apply for the one and only ESTA here. On this website you’ll find a handy little design showing you the different steps in the process of the application (see above). The procedure seems fairly simple really: just follow the steps and make your choice according to your personal situation.

Since an ESTA is only valid for two years and it usually doesn’t take very long for the authorization to come through, we’re not going to do our application just yet. We’re planning on actually doing our application about two to three weeks in advance, but we’ll definitely keep you posted on that when the time comes!

If you’re the adventurous type and want to do you application right away, good luck and do let us know how it went, will you?

See you in two days for another Thursday Tickle!

R & B