If you are planning a trip to the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme, you will need to submit an application for aelectronic travel authorisation known as ESTA. Understanding what information is required is essential if your application is to be approved smoothly. This article will look in detail at the different types of information required to complete the ESTA application.
The passport: An essential document
To begin with, owning a valid passport is mandatory for all requests ESTA. The passport must meet a number of specific criteria in order to be accepted under the Visa Waiver Programme.
Passport details
When submitting your application ESTAYou must provide precise information about your passport:
- Passport number
- Issuing country
- Issue date
- Expiry date
Make sure that all this information is correct to avoid any delay or refusal of your travel authorisation.
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the United States. Some Visa Waiver Program countries also require that your passport be valid for at least six months after the planned date of departure from the United States.
Personal information
Detailed information on the applicant is required to correctly complete the ESTA form. This information is used to verify your identity and ensure that you meet the conditions of the Visa Waiver Programme.
Full identity
Here are the personal details required:
- Full name (first name, last name)
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
It is vital that this information corresponds exactly to that on your passport.
Contact details
In addition to the details mentioned above, be sure to include your current contact details:
- Postal address
- E-mail address
- Phone number
- Emergency contact in your home country
This enables the American authorities to contact you if necessary regarding your trip.
Travel details
One of the important sections of the ESTA form concerns the organisation of your trip. You must provide various Information about your planned stay in the United States :
Place of stay
You must indicate the reason for your trip and where you will be staying during your visit to the United States only if you are travelling for tourism or business:
- Name and address of accommodation (hotel, private residence)
- Contact telephone number for place of stay
If you have not confirmed accommodation, describe your plans for your stay as fully as possible.
Travel history
To better assess your eligibility to enter the United States, you will be asked to provide certain travel details.
Recent international trips
We can also ask you about your recent international trips to other countries, particularly those considered to be security or health risk zones. These countries include Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen, if you have travelled there since 01 March 2011 or later. Note that since 12 January 2021, Cuba has been classified as a high-risk country by the US authorities. Your previous trips to these destinations may therefore have an impact on your ESTA application. It is therefore advisable to contact an embassy to apply for a visa.
Safety issues
The section on safety issues is to assess potential risks to national and public security. The answers to these questions must be honest and precise.
Criminal records and offences
Some examples of questions asked:
- Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a serious criminal offence?
- Have you ever broken any laws relating to the possession, use or distribution of illegal substances?
Immigration history
Possible additional questions:
- Have you ever exceeded the authorised duration during a previous stay in the United States?
- Have you ever been banned or expelled from another country?
Medical eligibility
Certain public health aspects may also influence the approval of your application ESTA.
Communicable health conditions
Examples of questions asked:
- Are you currently suffering from a communicable disease that could pose a threat to public health?
- Have you recently been in contact with someone suffering from a contagious disease?
Additional information
Whether mandatory or not, additional details may be required depending on individual situations or changing policies:
- Current occupation and employer details
- Social networks
- Detailed purpose of visit (reason for trip)
- Family ties in the United States
Taking the time to gather and check all this information carefully before submitting your ESTA application will greatly increase your chances of success. Good luck!
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