The Land of Dreams, the United States of America is everything that’s fascinating, lively, and bewitching. From balmy sunny beaches to lively markets, from lofty mountains to lush forests and an ocean of enthralling attractions, America has it all and much more on offer. No wonder, a large number of travelers from all corners of the world often plan to spend a few days unraveling the diverse chapters of this fairy tale called the USA.Everything You Need to Know About ESTA, VWP, APIS before Flying to the USA.Learn about Travel Tips for Flying to the USA.
As it turns out:
Most visitors spend their days looking for the cheapest airfares and pocket-friendly hotel deals, when planning trips to the USA. A large fraction of visitors also compare travel insurance online in order to ensure a hassle-free trip to the country.
But here’s the BIG QUESTION?
“Will just securing cheaper airfares and hotel deals guarantee a pleasant trip to the USA?”
The answer is a resounding NO!
Why?
Because the USA is a strict disciplinarian when it comes to its entry rules and regulations! And flouting any entry rule or regulation may run your otherwise perfectly planned trip into hot waters.
Related Read: 7 of the Most Amazing Places to Visit in the US
Though there is a wealth of information about US entry regulations available on the websites of Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and US Custom and Border Protection (CBP), complex entry essentials such as ESTA, APIS and VWP can perplex even the most seasoned of travelers.
In this blog, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the entry rules and regulations to the USA, from ESTA to APIS, and from VWP to travel insurance requisites.
So, if you’re looking forward to getting that slice of mind-boggling American delights, then you’re going to love this blog.
Let’s dive right in…
VWP (Visa Waiver Program)
VWP or the Visa Waiver Program has been conceptualized by the American Customs and Border Protection authorities to make it easy for visitors, from the 36 participating countries, to enter the USA, without having to obtain a visa for stays up to 90 days or less.
As a rule, nationals of VWP participating countries, planning trips to the USA, must ensure a valid authorization through ESTA or Electronic System for Travel Authorization before traveling to the country. In addition, the US government has recently made it mandatory for visitors to the country, to obtain an e-passport in order to use the Visa Waiver Program.
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
ESTA or the Electronic System for Travel Authorization is an automated system designed by the US Customs and Border Protection authorities to determine a traveler’s eligibility to enter the country under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
But, ESTA alone doesn’t guarantee an entry into the USA. And the final decision to allow one’s entry into the USA is at the discretion of the Customs and Border Protection department.
Here’s how ESTA works:
Those planning to travel under the VWP are required to fill out the ESTA application form online and furnish the required details at least 72 hours before the commencement of travel. In addition, ESTA applicants are required to furnish their passport details, country of residence, and address of their first night’s accommodation in the USA to their airline operator before traveling.
ESTA is valid for 2 years or the validity of travelers’ passport, whichever is shorter. Applicants also need to pay a $14 application fee to complete the ESTA applications. This payment can only be made using credit cards. It is easy to fill out the ESTA application and anyone including family members, friends or even travel agents can apply for ESTA on the behalf of an applicant.
Recommended Read: 8 of the Best Road Trip Destinations to Go On in the USA
APIS (Advanced Passenger Information System)
APIS or the Advanced Passenger Information System is an online data exchange system designed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) department to ensure the safety of travelers to the USA. Under APIS rules, commercial airline operators are mandated to share passengers and crew information, on board their flights to the USA, with the Customs and Border Protection Department.
Under APIS, travelers taking flights to the USA are mandated to furnish their details to the airlines at least 72 hours before their scheduled departure. Those who fail to do so may not be allowed to enter the country. Required passenger information for APIS:
– Full name
– Passport number, issuing country, and expiration date
– Gender
– Date of birth
– Nationality
Travelers with Permanent Residence Card number are required to provide their Permanent Resident Card numbers in addition to the aforementioned information.
On the other hand, visitors without Permanent Residence Card are also required to provide details about:
– Country of residence
– Address of accommodation in the USA (including street, city, state and zip code)
Travel Insurance
Unlike Schengen Countries, tourists do not necessarily need to obtain travel insurance policies to be allowed entry to the USA. However, those planning to travel on J1, F1 and H1 Visas need to ensure US health insurance coverage.
But here’s the deal:
Medical costs in the USA can prove to be a huge burden on your pockets. If you’re a tourist, not covered for your medical expenses while on US trip, medical emergencies can cripple you financially.
In addition, there have been many cases where tourists to the USA had to be repatriated or evacuated for medical emergencies. Be advised this can cost quite a lot. This is where having a travel insurance policy help you cover hefty medical expense when traveling to the USA.
You’ll be surprised:
A study by US Travel Insurance Association found that nearly 33.4 million Americans chose comprehensive travel protection coverage with international and domestic travel insurance policies in 2014-15.
Over to You!
So there you have it – everything you need to know when traveling to the USA. Now put this learning into practice to ensure a hassle-free trip to the USA, the country that never fails to impress with its sophisticated mix of art, fashion, food, fun and frolics.
But before you jump into action, it would be a good idea to log on to the official website of Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the US Customs and Border Protection.
Bon Voyage!
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