The U.S. State Department has announced that it will resume issuing ESTA travel visas as normal, following a decision by President Trump to lift his ban on people travelling to the US from certain countries.
However, the lifting of this executive order does not mean that travelers from those countries who were previously refused entry into the United States can now enter without an additional fee.
In fact, there are still restrictions in place for travellers from these countries, with some requiring a further visa before entering the United States, regardless of whether they have applied for the new ESTA-type visa or not.
Here we look at the cost of applying for a visa waiver (ESTA), along with the steps you need to take if you want to travel to the United States.
If you are considering making use of your right to travel, then you should be aware of the various requirements when visiting the United States. To do this, you will need to understand what is involved in applying for ESTA – and the associated costs.
For example, a number of countries require that you get a visa to visit the United States. There are also requirements that govern how long you can stay, but if you’re planning on staying for more than six months, you will need an extension of your visa.
So, let us break down all of these different factors, so that you know exactly what you need to do before you head across the border.
Cost of applying for ESTA
Before we look at the steps required to apply for ESTA, it’s important to note that the price has increased dramatically since the last time we looked at the matter.
According to the latest information available, the application process is now likely to be around $7.00. That is a significant hike over the previous cost of just $3.00.
This comes despite the fact that the application itself remains largely unchanged. The only difference is that applicants must now provide additional details about their trip, such as why they wish to make the journey.
The other major change is the requirement for applicants to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the United States. This is because many governments are unwilling to issue visas to individuals who are thought to be unable to afford to pay for their trip.
However, the United States government is keen to stress that these requirements are not intended to create discrimination against any particular nationality.
Instead, they are designed to ensure that tourists do not abuse the system. They are also necessary in order to prevent fraudsters using the scheme to obtain fraudulent credit cards and bank accounts.
What documents you will need to submit
When you go through the application process, you will be asked to provide a series of supporting documents, including proof of health insurance and copies of your passport and international driving license.
It is also worth noting that you will be required to provide detailed information regarding where you live. This includes your name, address, telephone number and email address. You will also be asked to provide a copy of your passport and a proof of identity document, such as a utility bill, bank statement or letter from your employer.
You will also be asked to list any medical conditions that you may suffer from, as well as any medications you might be taking. It is also possible that you could be asked to provide letters of invitation from family members living abroad. These would be needed to prove that you intend to leave the country again once you return home.
There are two forms that you will need to fill out. One is called ‘the DS-160’, which is used to collect the personal data requested above. However, you will also be asked to complete a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ form. This provides some answers to commonly asked questions about your plans to visit the United States.
To fill the esta form the person will have to collect some valid documents. The main motive of people is to take the steps and reach the goals. A person can take the required steps and attain a success. The person can follow the steps and work on achieving the goals.
How long do I need to wait?
Once you have submitted all of the required paperwork, you will receive “a Notice of Admission”, which will confirm that your ESTA application has been accepted.
As you can see, this takes anything up to 10 business days. If you are hoping to fly out immediately, then you will need to act quickly.
We advise that you try to book your flight as soon as possible after submitting your application. You will therefore want to make sure that you have enough time to arrange for your visa.
Many countries require that you get a visa to travel to the United States. As a result, you should begin looking for one several weeks ahead of time.
Of course, if you already hold a valid visa, you can simply extend your stay. Doing this means that you will be able to spend longer in the country. Of course, this will come at a cost, so you will need to factor this in when considering how much money you think you are willing to spend.
Visas for Americans
While most visitors will find that an ESTA visa is sufficient, it is possible to apply for a visa if you are from the United States.
These are known as B1/B2 Visas, and they are designed to allow American citizens to travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
To apply for one of these visas, you will need to contact the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy. Once you have done this, you will need to complete a standard visa application form.
This will include providing information regarding where you plan to travel as well as your reason for doing so.
After you have submitted this application, you will need to wait for your appointment. In some cases, it could take up to three months.
Once you have arrived in Canada, you will need to present yourself at a Canadian Consulate to discuss your plans for coming to Canada. At this stage, you will need to have all appropriate documentation in hand.
If you don’t have a visa, then you will need to remain in Canada until one arrives. You will also be required to remain in Canada for 24 hours after you arrive in order to give officials time to examine your documents.
If you do have a visa, then you can remain in Canada for 60 days. After this period, you will need to leave Canada for another country.
There are different types of visas that you can apply for, depending on your specific circumstances. For example, you might qualify for a student visa or even a working holiday maker visa.
We recommend that you check with a specialist website, such as VisaHQ, to help you decide which type of visa you should apply for.
