The authorities of the United States have announced that all foreigners who can enter the country under the Visa Waiver Program will now be able to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) directly from their smartphones.
The ESTA Mobile App is available for download on all Android and iOS devices in 24 languages, making it easier for all those who need the document to obtain it, VisaGuide.World reports.
Through the newly launched mobile app, all applicants will be able to initiate their application for ESTA.
Moreover, they will also be able to upload a live selfie video to confirm their identity, scan the image of their passport and confirm it, as well as enter eligibility questions, add personal details, and send the request for ESTA.
Apart from being able to do all these things within the app, those who need ESTA will also have the possibility to make changes to their profile and check the status of their application at any time.
Even though the mobile app is already available, the official website of ESTA, which until now has been the only way to make a request for the document, still is active. However, the authorities still need to reveal whether the process of applying for an ESTA will be completely moved through the mobile app or not.
ESTA is the main requirement for citizens of 40 countries who are permitted to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program. Those who do not hold a valid ESTA are not permitted entry to the US even if they meet the other requirements of the VWP.
All foreigners who hold an ESTA are permitted to stay in the US for a maximum period of 90 days. This means that those who plan to stay for a longer period of time need to apply for a visa, depending on the purpose of their entry.
In order to qualify for the ESTA, all applicants must prove that they have citizenship in one of the 40 countries part of the Visa Waiver Program. Moreover, they must also not have a valid US visitor visa and must prove they are traveling to the US for tourism or business purposes.
In addition, applicants must also submit a valid e-passport for more than six months after the intended departure from the US.