Are you going on vacation with your family anytime soon? Spending time together and exploring new things in new places is essential for families. This helps strengthen the bond between family members as they create memories. However, the US government has various regulations for all travelers. Any traveler should abide by the established rules and regulations.
Initially, people who wanted to visit the United States needed to apply for a visa as travel authorization. However, this has changed with the introduction of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This article will help you understand why an ESTA is important and whether your child needs it for travel.
What is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization?
ESTA involves an automated system that authorizes travelers to enter United States territory. This system determines the eligibility of persons traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
If you plan to travel to the United States under the VWP, you must obtain the Electronic Travel Authorization System prior to your travel date. Typically, Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security control the process.
Any traveler wishing to obtain an ESTA authorization must apply online and obtain it at least three days prior to travel. However, if your application is denied, you can apply early to be on the safe side. That way, you’ll have time to look for alternatives.
Do children need an ESTA to travel?
When preparing for a trip, you may have many questions. Some of these include: Do babies need an ESTA in the US? In general, ESTA is required for children traveling to the United States, regardless of their age. However, the ESTA applies in the same way as it applies to adults. The law requires any minor under the age of 18 to find an adult to complete the application process for them.
Therefore, the guardian or parent should complete the ESTA authorization on behalf of the child and the ESTA linked to the child’s passport. In general, travel permits to the United States differ from other countries in many ways. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare well in advance of the travel date.
On the other hand, if you are traveling as a family and don’t want to fill out an ESTA for everyone, you can choose the ESTA group application. This will include all traveling family members, making the process easier. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that each child will need an individual valid passport to qualify for ESTA. This means you cannot include your children in your passport.
How long can I stay in the US with the ESTA?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization allows travelers to stay in U.S. territories for up to 90 days per trip. ESTA authorization forms part of the Visa Waiver Program designed to reduce the complexity of traveling to the United States. The good news is that you can complete the ESTA online through a simple process. This process involves answering various questions designed to determine your eligibility to enter the United States.