The United States has just confirmed that it will no longer be necessary to have a visa or even show a physical passport to enter the country. But be careful, there’s fine print, as always, of course.
Citizens of some countries will be able to do so by showing only a digital authorization called ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), and the idea is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), a system that aims to make travel easier, faster, and safer, and above all, reduce bureaucracy (and the time spent waiting for the immigration officer to stamp your passport).
What exactly is the ESTA?
The ESTA is a kind of “express visa” but completely digital.It replaces the tourist (or business) visa for travelers from countries participating in the program.
And it works with a filter: before boarding the plane, the system evaluates whether you meet all the requirements to enter the U.S., and everything is done online. There’s no need to go to the embassy or fill out any paperwork; you only need:
- A valid electronic passport (the kind with an integrated chip).
- A few minutes to fill out the application.
- And pay a $21 fee.
This authorization allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism, but it does not guarantee admission.The final decision will be made by the CBP office at the entry point.
Who can enter without a visa?
For now, this privilege only applies to countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program (Spain, France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, among others).
And you must meet three important requirements:
- Have a valid electronic passport issued by a participating country.
- Travel for tourism, business, or transit, and stay less than 90 days.
- Obtain approval before boarding your flight or crossing the border.
- Since 2022, this authorization is also required for those entering by land from Mexico or Canada, not just by air or sea.
How to apply for the ESTA
- Go to the official website of the Department of Homeland Security.
- Fill out the form with your personal information.
- Answer a short security questionnaire.
- Pay the $21 fee by card.
- Done.Most applications are approved within a few hours, although it’s recommended to do it at least 72 hours before your trip. Once approved, the authorization is automatically linked to your passport, and you won’t need to carry any paperwork because everything will be connected to the airlines and the Immigration Office.
What about Latin America?
Unfortunately, for now, no Latin American country is part of the program, so citizens of Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Chile, among others, must continue applying for the usual B1/B2 visa.
It is known that several governments are negotiating agreements to join the system in the future, but for now, nothing can be confirmed.
More digital, but with the same controls
That said, don’t be fooled by the word “easy” because ESTA does not remove security filters. Each application goes through an automatic review that cross-checks information with international databases on terrorism, public health, and criminal records, so be careful.
As we mentioned, ESTA does not guarantee that you can enter the country because the final word always belongs to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer when you arrive at the airport. If something doesn’t match, you won’t be allowed to enter.
Another country joining the biometric entry system. Will it really make things faster? We kind of loved getting passport stamps, but maybe now it will be as quick as saying “Cheese!!”