An ESTA is essentially a visa waiver if you have a valid passport from a visa waiver country then you can use an ESTA to travel to the United States. You could even stay for up to 90 days and an ESTA once accepted will last for two years.
If your passport expires within that timeframe then the ESTA will no longer be valid, so if you are applying for an ESTA make sure you take that into account. An ESTA can be a great way for tourists to visit the United States as the majority of tourism-related matters are permitted under an ESTA.
ESTA for group travel of up to 50 people are also available and offer a more concise way for larger groups to travel. So, if you are interested in seeing the sights in America the first thing you should do is ensure you have a passport from an eligible visa waive country simply follow this link to check.
What Is Covered By The ESTA?
Tourism is certainly a very varied activity, isn’t it? It can mean many things to many people so it’s important that you know exactly what is covered if you want to use an ESTA to travel to America. Thankfully, the good news is many of the common tourism activities are covered by an ESTA as well as some more less commonly seen activities as well.
If you are going on a holiday with friends, family or on your own then that is all covered under the ESTA. You can also use an ESTA to visit family or friends in America as well as attend social and service organized events. An ESTA can also be used if you want to take part in events or competition in America.
For example, amateur sports or music competitions however your participation must be unpaid. An ESTA also covers medical treatment in American and covers short study and recreational courses although any credits obtained from your studies can not be used toward a degree.
ESTA Requirements and Denials
If you want to apply for an ESTA whether on your own or for larger group travel you must ensure you meet the essential requirements. Follow, this link to see the official requirements once an application is made you should have a decision within 72 hours.
If you have been found ineligible or denied an ESTA then you can’t appeal the decision. However, you can still apply for a B-2 tourist visa instead. I would also strongly recommend taking a look at the nine eligibility question you will need to answer as well before starting your application.
ESTA Restrictions
If you are granted an ESTA for travel to America then you must ensure you are aware of the restrictions and adhere to them. Once granted your ESTA and in America, you cannot extend it or apply to switch to a visa. Any other applications must be made outside of the country.
ESTA also do not cover study for academic credits, employment, paid competitions, and it can’t be used as a way of obtaining residency in the country whether permanent or temporary. You must also ensure you do not exceed the 90-day limit granted.
And while an ESTA can be used for tourism-related activities it does not guarantee admission. This essentially means that the Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) has the authority to deny an ESTA approved traveller entry.
This is unlikely to happen but it is important to realise it could if you do not follow proper rules and procedures. For example, if you fail to declare goods or merchandise or provide false information on your application you could be denied entry in the country. If you are denied admission at the border you will also not have the right to appeal the decision either.
Medical Treatment Matters
As mentioned previously an ESTA can be used if you are travelling to America for medical treatment. However, you will likely be asked at the border to provide evidence of the treatment you have scheduled.
Documentation about the medical diagnosis and appointment/ treatment scheduling documents that explain why the treatment is being carried out in the United States should be enough. Although you could ask your physician/ surgeon to provide you with a letter as well.
Many medical professionals will provide this as standard but if you don’t have anything be sure to ask before arranging your travel. You may also be asked to provide evidence that shows you can pay for the treatment this can usually be done with a bank statement.
If you need to visit a doctor or undertake medical treatment of some kind due to an accident during your trip local medical staff should be able to help. Any expenses for unplanned and chargeable treatments should be covered by your travel insurance company.
Although you may need to claim the money after the treatment.
An ESTA as you can see can be used to cover a wide variety of tourism matters. As long as you meet the requirements and are permitted under the Visa waiver program an ESTA will give you a fast and convenient way to travel to the United Sates.
