New changes in the ESTA process: comfort and safety for tourists

To travel to the United States without the need for a visa, both tourists and business travelers must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Citizens of 41 countries, including European nations, are granted visa-free travel.

U.S. authorities continue to improve the process of obtaining electronic travel authorization. Recently, an ESTA mobile app was created to make the process easier for applicants. When using the mobile app, it is easy to upload all the required documents right from your mobile device.

In order to obtain a permit through the ESTA mobile app, one must scan the passport identification page and provide a passport-format photo. These measures are designed to verify the identity of the applicant, confirm the validity of the information provided, and increase security when entering the United States.

According to the Federal Register, U.S. Customs and Border Protection plans to implement the verification process into the web-based version of ESTA. This update will also require applicants to submit a personal photograph or “selfie,” in addition to the passport page photo, in order to verify the applicant's identity as the legal passport holder. Details on these changes will be released by May 30, 2024.

U.S. authorities also want to simplify the travel authorization process with the introduction of biometric authentication. In the future, it will be possible for users to retrieve their ESTA application, submitted through a website or mobile app, using biometric authentication on their phone and create a profile for easy access to their ESTA application and travel authorization. This innovative feature can be customized to the user's liking. It will allow the ESTA application to identify the user's identity and provide secure access to information without the need to re-enter data. It is important to note that all biometric data will be stored and protected locally on the user's mobile device in accordance with security regulations.

Once the mobile app is installed, new users will be given the option to save their ESTA application information and utilize the biometric data for easy access to the application in the future. This simplifies the login process and makes using the application more convenient and secure for ESTA users.

The updates are designed to improve security and convenience for ESTA users. The new requirements and features make the permit application process more secure and accessible for all passengers.