Travelling as frequently as I do is a luxury, but often the amount of time and preparation that goes into planning my getaway is stressful and a drain on what precious free time I have. Simplifying the pre-travel processes is key for me in being able to do what I want to do, when I want.
Having a ready packed suitcase, keeping all the necessary travel documents together and having instant access to the currency I need for wherever I’m travelling to really does help; but I can’t plan for what I don’t know. This is the first time that I’m travelling to the USA, and I’ve always been a little unsure of the process for applying for a visa to travel to the US as a tourist. Especially now with the recent coronavirus outbreak and so I highly advise you to visit the government health page on travelling to the USA before getting an ESTA right now. You can still get an ESTA, but it be still be a few months before you can enter the USA once again. I’ve been to several other countries that have required me to visit their embassies, to apply in person and handover cash for a sticker that’s then placed in my passport. As easy as that sounds, I loath getting around London at times and it’s not unlike me to fill the form in incorrectly or even have difficulty finding the embassy – so you can understand why I like to simplify tasks.
It was suggested that I apply for a ESTA visa (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). A quick and easy process that I could do online, day or night, cost-effective and payable using Visa, Amex, MasterCard or even PayPal – so no need to travel to the US Embassy at Embassy Gardens, as beautiful as it might be. The cost of the digital ESTA permit is significantly cheaper than the standard visa, at just £29.95 per person.
America takes its safety very seriously, so without a valid visa, you’re not getting in. Your airline, cruise provider etc. will check to see that you have a valid visa before travelling. Once applied for and granted, an ESTA is valid for two years and You’re allowed to make an unlimited number of trips to the USA. You can use the same ESTA for business as well as holidays. An important point is that applicants can only stay in the country on a visa for the USA for a maximum of 90 consecutive days.
The instructions were clear and the process straightforward. I am planning this trip well ahead, but they do provide an urgent ESTA, where applications can be approved in as little as an hour? The website is fool-proof, with information offered every step of the way and a comprehensive frequently asked questions guide. Interesting, a group application can be made, by adding multiple travellers to one form. Filling in an ESTA form takes about five minutes per traveller. This time-saving and uncomplicated process costs just £29.95 per person – so someone who values time over money, this is very reasonable value for money.
An important point to make is that this is an electronic visa and whilst applying for one which can be done through the digital application form, it is sometimes necessary to upload certain documents, such as a passport scan, passport photo or business card. The Immigration or Border Control Agency for the country you’re visiting will perform a screening of the information you have provided as part of your online application. If the information you’ve provided is correct and variable, you’ll receive your e-visa via email as a PDF. It’s recommended that you need print it and take it with you on your trip. This way, you can prove that your application was approved, even if you phone is lost, broken or you forgot to charge it. Top tip – always duplicate print outs and keep photo or printed copies of your passport in the event it is lost, damaged or stolen.
