Silky
February 3rd, 2009, 12:24 PM
Just a heads up to any of you who are planning a trip to the States.
In addition to the green visa waiver form you have to fill out you will need to complete a form for the ESTA Program (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Although there is no guarantee that you can get into the States (it's always been that way) you definitely won't get in unless you have this ESTA approval.
It's easy to do. I did it for Brian and got approved almost immediately. Your authorization comes up right in your browser and you receive an email. However, I would print off a couple copies of it while everything is showing in your browser in case the email doesn't show up ... it will save you hassle.
It pretty much asks you the same stuff that's on your passport so do have it handy when applying. It's good for two years or until your passport expires. When your passport expires you have to apply again. Also, I would apply at least a month in advance of any trip you are planning to take.
Here's the link for the form and it's very simple to understand:
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_c8E930B0F-C2A2-130F-E758-64BDEB44C05F_k54A99532-9DCB-45F4-64A7-669B5896F591
Don't get confused on this site. You'll probably see visas for sale and booklets and the like ... but this is free ... don't buy anything!
In addition to the green visa waiver form you have to fill out you will need to complete a form for the ESTA Program (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Although there is no guarantee that you can get into the States (it's always been that way) you definitely won't get in unless you have this ESTA approval.
It's easy to do. I did it for Brian and got approved almost immediately. Your authorization comes up right in your browser and you receive an email. However, I would print off a couple copies of it while everything is showing in your browser in case the email doesn't show up ... it will save you hassle.
It pretty much asks you the same stuff that's on your passport so do have it handy when applying. It's good for two years or until your passport expires. When your passport expires you have to apply again. Also, I would apply at least a month in advance of any trip you are planning to take.
Here's the link for the form and it's very simple to understand:
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_c8E930B0F-C2A2-130F-E758-64BDEB44C05F_k54A99532-9DCB-45F4-64A7-669B5896F591
Don't get confused on this site. You'll probably see visas for sale and booklets and the like ... but this is free ... don't buy anything!