ESTA: Electronic System for Travel Authorization to the USA

If you are planning a short-term trip to the United States, whether for tourism, business, or transit, you may qualify for travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). To travel under this program, you must complete an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) application. In this article, we give a brief overview of what ESTA is, who can apply, and how you proceed.

What is ESTA?

ESTA is an electronic system used by the US government to pre-authorize travelers from VWP countries before they are allowed to travel to the US. The purpose of ESTA is to improve security by pre-screening travelers before they arrive in the United States. An approved ESTA gives permission to travel to the United States, but does not guarantee entry; the final decision is made by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival in the United States.

Who can apply for ESTA?

To be able to apply for ESTA, you must:

Be a citizen or eligible citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country. Norway is one of these countries.

Plan to stay in the United States for 90 days or less for tourism, business, or transit.

Have a valid e-passport (electronic passport) with a machine-readable zone and a digital chip containing biometric information.

How to apply for ESTA

Visit the official ESTA website: Go to the official ESTA application page.

• Complete the application: You must complete a form with personal information, travel information and answer questions about health, safety and previous travel history. It is important that all details are correct and complete.
• Pay the application fee: Once the application is completed, you will need to pay a fee of approximately $14. This fee can be paid by credit or debit card.
• Submit the application: After you have completed the form and paid the fee, you submit the application electronically. You will receive a confirmation and an ESTA request number which you should note for future reference.

What happens after you have submitted the application?

After you submit your ESTA application, it will be processed and you will usually receive a decision within minutes to 72 hours. There are three possible outcomes:

• Approved: You are authorized to travel to the United States under the VWP. The authorization is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
• Rejected: You are not authorized to travel under the VWP. You must apply for an ordinary visa through a US embassy or consulate.
• Awaiting decision: Your application needs more time for processing. You can check the status later using your ESTA request number.

Important considerations

• Validity: An approved ESTA is valid for two years and can be used for multiple entries to the USA during this period. Each entry cannot exceed 90 days.
• Update: If you get a new passport or change your name, gender or citizenship, or if the answers to any of the security questions change, you will need to apply for a new ESTA.
• Not a guarantee of entry: Even with an approved ESTA, entry to the US is not guaranteed. The final decision is made by a CBP officer at the port of entry.

Summary

Applying for ESTA is a necessary process for Norwegian citizens who wish to visit the USA under the Visa Waiver Program. By making sure you meet all the requirements and submit an accurate application, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. For more information and help with the application, visit the official ESTA application page.