The U.S. Government announced Wednesday the launch of a new application for cell phones and other mobile devices, available in 24 languages, that facilitates the visa waiver application process for foreign visitors.
The Government made an announcement on Wednesday about a brand new mobile application that can be used on cell phones and other mobile devices. This app is available in 24 different languages and it aims to make the visa waiver application process easier for foreign visitors.
According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the app was specifically created for travelers from 40 countries that the Department of Homeland Security permits to visit the United States. These visitors can come to the US for tourism or business purposes for a period of up to 90 days without needing a visa. Its purpose, as stated by the Government, is to enhance travel security to the country.
ESTA is an automated system that determines whether visitors traveling to the United States are eligible under that program or whether they pose any risk to public safety or national security.
“The new ESTA app strengthens CBP’s mobile app strategy,” said Matthew Davies, executive director of the admissibility program at the agency. “We will continue to innovate and apply technologies to facilitate our processing, meeting the expectations of travelers.”
Foreign nationals wishing to travel to the U.S. under the program can open the ESTA app on their mobile device with which they scan their passport and download a photo to confirm their identity.
They then confirm personal and travel details, answer questions about their visa waiver eligibility, review data, and receive notifications and updates from the app.
Prior to the launch of the mobile app, travelers applied for travel authorization only through CBP’s website, which continues to process applications.
CBP indicated that travelers interested in this process can download the ESTA app free of charge for both Apple and Android devices.
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