If you are planning on a business trip to the US then you will be pleased to hear that the ESTA - USA Visa Waiver Program covers the travel authorization you will require.

The visa waiver system has made it easier for businesspeople that have regular trips to see US clients, as the new approach is a quicker process than the previous one. When applying for ESTA, it is recommended that you make the application at least 72 hours before you are flying to the US. Your ESTA can sometimes be processed in just a few hours but it is better to provide more time to allow for any delays.

ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization and this is part of the Visa Waiver Program that replaces the US Visa system for certain countries. Travellers from the UK and the other relevant countries must apply for ESTA to grant permission to visit the US.

If you are travelling for business, then the ESTA will cover you providing that you are visiting for less than 90 days. The ESTA USA also covers travel for leisure purposes and it is valid for a period of two years, which means that if you have several business trips planned, or several leisure trips, or a mixture of both – you do not need to apply each time.

How to apply for ESTA

There is an online form that must be completed that covers a list of criteria that you must be able to provide. The key ESTA requirements include personal details such as name, address, DOB, employment and parental details. You must also provide your passport details within the application. There is also a list of questions regarding countries that you have visited and some medical information. You are also required to disclose information regarding having any criminal convictions and law violations.

If you require any help with the application visa form, you can get assistance from the Post Office or some travel agents also offer support and advice. However, the fastest way to submit your application visa form is by filling in the online form.

Checking your ESTA is still valid

Before you travel to the US you should always check that your passport is still valid and also that your ESTA is still in date. Your ESTA cannot be extended, so when it runs out you will be required to apply for another one. To check whether your ESTA is still valid, you can review the status on the website just to be sure that it is valid for the whole period that you intend to travel.

If you are planning to travel to more than one location in the US that is fine, as long as you provide the details for the first place that you are staying for example, the hotel address and details.