Visas to the U.S.
ESTA
What is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)?
ESTA is an online form which can enable eligible Slovaks to travel to the United States on a valid biometric passport for tourism or business stays of 90 days or less, or transit only, without obtaining a visa.
Is ESTA a visa?
No, an approved ESTA is not a visa. Individuals who possess a valid visa will still be able to travel to the U.S. on the visa for the purpose for which it was issued. Individuals traveling on a valid visa will not be required to apply for an ESTA.
How does ESTA Work?
Go to the ESTA Web site at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and complete the simple, on-line application in English. A traveler must provide name, birth date, passport details, and travel plans. A friend, relative, or travel agent may file an application for someone else.
Applications may be submitted at any time before travel; however, DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours in advance. In most cases, travelers will receive a response within seconds. Responses will be one of the following three:
- Authorization Approved: Travel is authorized, no further paperwork necessary.
- Authorization Pending: Check the ESTA website for a final response within 72 hours
- Travel Not Authorized: Traveler must obtain a visa at the U.S. Embassy before traveling to the U.S.
ESTA is valid for up to two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first, and is valid for multiple entries into the U.S. For future trips or changes, applicants can easily update addresses or itineraries through the ESTA Website.
Who is not eligible for ESTA?
VWP cannot be used by those who plan to study, work, or remain more than 90 days in the United States. Also, it cannot be used by people who have previously been refused a visa, or arrested (even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction); those with criminal records, those with certain serious communicable illnesses; those who have been refused admission into, or have been deported from the United States; and those who have previously overstayed on the VWP, even by only one day. Such travelers must apply for visas at the U.S. Embassy.
* An approved ESTA is not a guarantee of admissibility to the U.S. at a port of entry. Border control officers make the final decision at the border.
* Additional information regarding the VWP and ESTA is available at http://www.cbp.gov/esta or email esta@cbp.dhs.gov
