ESTA a security measure for the USA
Every foreign traveler must meet certain requirements and procedures in order to obtain authorization to enter the United States. A residence permit must prove the approval of the authorities. Most of the time, foreign nationals are provided with a B2 visa or an ESTA authorization.
Below we describe the security measures in place in the United States of America, including the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA document offers more simplicity to certain travelers who are exempt from U.S. visa requirements.
Security measures for any trip to the United States
Without a visa or ESTA issued by the American authorities, any temporary stay in the USA is unauthorized and therefore illegal, even for a simple transit of a few hours in an airport in Florida or California.
In order to enter the United States, you must be aware of the new security measures in place. These vary depending on whether you are in the Visa Waiver Program or not. As the name implies, this system gives an advantage to nationals of several countries: they do not need to apply for a visa to travel to the United States.
The American visa is mandatory for certain types of stays in the USA. It is an authorization granted after studying the profile of each applicant. The procedure can be quite long, depending on the workload of the American embassy where you will have your visa interview.
The ESTA reduces the security rules of the visa: no appointment at the American embassy in particular. You just have to fill out the ESTA form on the Internet and pay the ESTA fees by credit card. This questionnaire consists of a list of fields to be filled in and questions to be answered.
Beware of mistakes when filling out your ESTA form. One wrong entry in the online form can prevent you from getting your ESTA. American homeland security is provided by the Department of Homeland Security. The DHS does not let anything go by and obviously does not correct your passport number if you have inserted the wrong number by mistake. Please take your time to complete your application. It usually takes about 15 minutes to complete the ESTA application online once you have all the information.
Within 72 hours you will receive confirmation or denial of travel to the United States. If the answer is positive, you can embark for the United States.
Please note: security measures for travel to the USA are not limited to the ESTA application.
What other security rules are there to enter the USA?
Obtaining an ESTA authorization or a visa does not guarantee acceptance at the US border. In fact, you will always be subject to an immigration or customs officer’s control. If dangerous or illegal products are found on you or in your luggage, do not expect to enter the United States. Nothing incredible here: this type of national security measures can be found everywhere in the world.
On the other hand, during your stay in the United States, don’t forget that you can be subject to a paper check at any time. Always carry a valid passport. DHS places great importance on illegal travelers. Even if you have an ESTA or a USA visa, you risk detention if your passport expires.
