ESTA is one of the new security measures introduced by the US government to combat terrorism. This document allows a certain category of travelers to enter the U.S. without having to go through the visa process. Find out how to obtain an ESTA number, and how to get it back if you’ve lost it.
Step 1: Be eligible
First and foremost, to receive an ESTA number, you must meet the requirements for this pass. The applicant must:
- be a national of one of the 38 countries covered by the exemption program;
- a valid passport (electronic or biometric);
- travel for vacation, business or a stopover on American soil;
- and not to exceed the 90-day time limit on site.
Step 2: Apply for ESTA
If you meet all these criteria, you’ll need to fill out an ESTA form. There are two ways to do this. The first is to apply for your ESTA document on the official U.S. government website. The second is to skip the application process altogether, and simply go to a private website and fill in a simplified online form.
Step 3: Receive your ESTA number
Once your application has been submitted, there are three possible outcomes: your application is accepted, pending or rejected. Your ESTA number is displayed on the official website. If the application was made on a private site, an email with your ESTA number will be sent to you.
Travel advice for a stay in the USA with ESTA
If you’re planning a trip to the USA, there are a few things you should bear in mind. The first thing to know concerns the duration of your trip. Above all, don’t try to go beyond the 90 days authorized by the American authorities. It would be a shame to be prosecuted.
Even though ESTA issuance is fast, usually taking just a few minutes, we strongly recommend that you apply online at least 72 hours before your trip to the USA.
Lost your ESTA number?
The ESTA number is the most important piece of information, and it’s a good idea to keep it, especially if you intend to travel to the USA several times during the two-year validity period granted by permission. To make sure you don’t lose it, we recommend storing your ESTA authorization on a cloud, or downloading and printing it. This number is obtained once you have submitted your online application and received your ESTA document.
If you’ve lost your ESTA number, you can access your file on the U.S. government website. All you need to do is provide a few personal details: passport number, date of issue and expiry, issuing country and date of birth. If, after verification, your authorization is no longer valid, you can of course renew your ESTA by submitting a new application.
If your situation has changed and you can no longer obtain an ESTA, you can apply for a USA visa at the American embassy.
Other important ESTA-related numbers
The ESTA number isn’t the only code you need when applying. The passport number is also very important, as it is directly linked to your ESTA USA. To be more precise, if you misplace or change your electronic or biometric passport after it has expired, your ESTA is no longer valid, and you must reapply with the new passport number.
