US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced the launch of a new mobile application to enable travelers potentially eligible to enter under the Visa Waiver Program to submit Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) applications easily and quickly from their smartphones, mobile devices or tablets.
ESTA is an automated system which determines the eligibility of visitors traveling to the United States and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk.
Prior to the launch of the ESTA mobile app, travelers applied for authorization only through the official CBP website, which continues to service ESTA applications.
Travellers can use the new app to:
- Launch an ESTA application;
- Scan an image of their passport;
- Have their passport read and confirmed;
- Upload a live video selfie to confirm their identity;
- Add personal and travel details to their application;
- Answer eligibility questions;
- Review and submit their application;
- Make changes or updates to their application or profile;
- Receive notifications and application status updates;
- Save time by storing their preferences and profile details within the app.
The ESTA mobile app is available in 24 different languages and was designed to serve travellers in all 40 countries whose citizens are permitted by DHS to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. The app is available on both iOS and Android app stores.