There are several ways to enter the USA and ESTA United States is one of them. However, the main and most famous among Brazilians is the visa that requires interviews at the American embassy.
ESTA is a travel authorization for citizens from countries with good relations with the USA.
In addition to being very easy to obtain, this documentation makes traveling much easier. And if a Brazilian meets the necessary requirements, he or she can obtain an ESTA.
Find out everything about this authorization and, most importantly, how to apply for an ESTA to enter the United States!
What is ESTA United States?
O Electronic System for Travel Authorizationor Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is a visa waiver program.
In force since 2009, ESTA is a system that allows citizens from a select list of countries to visit the United States only with a travel authorization.
The United States ESTA allows you to stay for tourism or business for a maximum period of 90 days. The advantage of this authorization is the practicality and speed of obtaining it.
Obviously, any ESTA candidate must meet a series of requirements for their trip to be approved.
Thus, the system allows the American Department of Security to pre-select, before leaving their countries, visa-exempt travelers.
In this way, the main objective of ESTA United States is to reduce queues, strengthen foreign policy and ensure security.
When it comes to queues, authorization reduces the incidence within airports and borders. But it also reduces waiting lines at embassies around the world.
Furthermore, it prevents terrorists and potential criminals from freely entering American territory.
Photo Credit: Juan Domenech
Who can apply for ESTA?
Citizens of countries belonging to the visa exemption program who enter the country must present a valid United States ESTA.
Anyone holding an ESTA has multiple entry into the USA. However, each visit must last a maximum of 90 days. During these days, the person will be able to do tourism, explore job opportunities, consult partners, hold conferences, do business, etc.
However, it is important to emphasize that the ESTA United States is not a document that allows you to work or study. To do this, you will need to issue your own visa.
However, if the intention is to discover other lands, to be eligible for ESTA the traveler must have been born in one of the countries on the list:
Germany
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brunei
Chile
South Korea
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Estonia
Finland
France
Greece
Netherlands
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
United Kingdom
Czech Republic
San Marino
Singapore
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
How to apply for ESTA?
To issue the United States ESTA, you must fill out an online form with each traveler’s personal data. This process is quite quick. However, to avoid taking up your time, always have your data and information at hand.
Afterwards, you will need to pay a fee in dollars, which can be done by card or bank transfer. When the request is approved, the United States ESTA will be sent by email.
In addition, those who intend to travel with family or partners can include all requests in a single request. To do this, simply add other travelers after entering the first data into the form.
Data verification and request are processed quickly. However, it is prudent for travelers to apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours in advance of their trip.
The authorization is valid for 2 years. However, as it is linked to the passport, if it expires or there is any change, it will be necessary to issue a new ESTA.
And the Brazilians?
As you can see, unfortunately Brazil is not yet on the list of visa-exempt countries. Therefore, here you still have to go through the interview, which leads to a long wait for a tourist visa.
So, just like those who are denied ESTA in the United States, you will need to obtain a tourist visa before traveling. To do this, you also fill out an online form and pay a fee. However, an in-person interview at the American embassy is required.
Know more:
What you need to travel to the USA: 7 mandatory documents
Despite being laborious, the tourist visa is valid for 10 years. And Brazilian tourists can stay in the United States for a period of up to 6 months. The deadline, as well as the release to enter North American soil, depends on the migration agent.
ESTA for those with dual citizenship
However, there is a possibility for a Brazilian to travel with the United States ESTA. This is the case for those who have dual citizenship. In other words, having another nationality in one of the countries in which travel authorization is requested.
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To do this, when filling out the ESTA form, enter your personal data and inform your Brazilian place of birth. Thus, in the nationality field, another nationality is placed.
When carrying out this process, other fields will be available to fill in, such as your passport number. This way, just follow the steps and finish with the ESTA payment.
So, what will your next trip to the land of Uncle Sam be like? Are you one of the Brazilians who can travel with an ESTA United States?
Set up your documentation and prepare your bags to enjoy the attractions of North America.
