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Presentation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
If you are a citizen or foreign national of any of the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program seeking to travel to the United States, the US Government requires that before you travel, you apply for authorization to do so through a permit processed with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Conditions:
- The US Government recommends the ESTA travel permit be requested at least 72 hours before traveling.
- It will be necessary to print the authorization granted through ESTA, which will contain a “Unique Registration Number” that must be presented at the time of check-in to the airline, in order to verify validity.
- All citizens and foreign nationals participating in the VWP, including passengers under the age of 2, must have an authorization issued by ESTA.
- The authorization for travel may be requested online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
- The ESTA system will notify travelers about their Application Status, which can be one of the following:
- Approved Authorization: you have authorization to travel.
- Authorization not Approved: you will be required to apply for a Visa before traveling to the US.
- Pending Authorization: you must visit the site again within the following 72 hours to check on your final response.
- The electronic authorization is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whatever happens first.
- The ESTA authorization may be used for multiple entries.
- The request for Authorization can be processed by the passenger or by a third party.
- For more detailed information on the process, please visit http://www.cbp.gov/esta
Important:
- If you have a valid visa for entrance into the United States, you do not need to execute this process.
- The ESTA authorization is not a guarantee of admittance into the United States, the authorization only represents permission to embark on travel to that country.
- If you need more information on requirements to enter the US, please contact the US Consulate or Embassy in your country.
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