US regulations for a visum or visa are a little strict. It’s unfortunate that the laws are what they are, but that’s the way it goes, right? Other countries have the same issues, and there are just certain rules that have to be followed. What’s great, however, is that in the last decade, there has been a new system developed that facilitates what’s known as the visa waiver programme or VWP.
It is known as ESTA. Let me ask you a couple of questions to see if you are likely to get approved by ESTA. First, what color are your eyes? Just kidding, it has everything to do with the trip time and your home country. What is your home country? Cheque the eligibility list of countries whose citizens are allowed to apply with ESTA for US travel.
How long is your trip going to be? If you answered with a window of time that is less than 3 months, you are good to go. With those two questions behind you, it’s time to start the electronic application for travel authorization to the US. You will be happy to know that the application is straightforward and is handled by an automated system.
While the fact that an automated system handles the application is a relief in one way, it also makes you think that there could be customers service issues. Naturally, there are people that can help you if you do have issues with the ESTA, so it shouldn’t be too big of a deal.
If for some reason you can’t apply with ESTA regarding your upcoming trip, you’re going to have to apply for a USA visum or visa. You will want to know what happens during the interview process, and you’re going to want all your documentation in order. You might want to work from a checklist if you are going to be applying for a USA visum.
It would be awesome if you can forget about the visum application process. The ESTA application is so convenient, and it makes travel to the US easy under certain conditions. Maybe one day the VWP will be expanded upon to make it even more convenient, but until then, at least you know the guidelines for applying. So are you going to be able to apply for this trip, or are you going to have to apply for a visa instead?