United States Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has announced the launch of a redesigned Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travellers. The new website has been redesigned to be more user-friendly and provide enhanced information to US travellers. According to a CBP representative, the impetus behind the redesign is that "We recognized the need to improve upon the ESTA application process and with feedback from our stakeholders and travelers, we are proud to launch this easier-to-use site."
To be able to travel under the VWP, a visitor to the USA must be a citizen of a country participating in the programme, must plan on only engaging in authorised activities in the USA, must not have a disqualifying issue in their background, and must obtain travel authorisation by filling out and submitting the ESTA questionnaire prior to their departure to the USA.
Some of the ESTA website design changes include:
- Making it easier for families or groups travelling together to simultaneously submit ESTA applications by having the 'group' function moved to the beginning of the application.
- Enhanced Frequently Asked Questions on a variety of topics grouped into categories such as 'Most Popular Questions', 'Completing your ESTA Application', 'Checking your ESTA Status' and 'Travel Not Authorized'. Additionally, website users can now access the Frequently Asked Questions at any time during the ESTA application process.
- Mobile-friendly features so that users can access the website from their smartphone.
Individuals who have previously obtained ESTA travel authorisations using the old website can access their records on the new website. Additionally, so long as a person has valid travel authorisation, there is no need to submit a new application through the redesigned website.
See all the details and have a look at the redesigned ESTA website by clicking the link below:
