ESTA Latvia: Do Latvians Need ESTA When Visiting The USA
If you’re Latvian, you have the chance to apply for an ESTA and travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program regulations, in other words, Visa-Free. Nevertheless, some criteria need to be met in order to reap the benefits of ESTA. That’s why it’s important that you keep reading this small ESTA application guide and find out if you qualify for it.
1. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ESTA AND VISA?
Visa and ESTA are not the same in terms of traveling to the USA!
One may apply for an ESTA if he or she is the citizen of one of the VWP countries and is planning to visit the USA for a period of no longer than 90 days.
If, however, you either are not from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or are planning to travel for longer than 90 days, then you have to apply for a visa, as an ESTA does not apply for your case.
2. IS LATVIA ONE OF THE VWP COUNTRIES?
Yes. Latvia is one of the countries that takes part in the Visa Waiver Program. Which means that ESTA for Latvian citizens applies.
As there are demanding rules for travelers wanting to enter the US, the VWP allows for an easier traveling experience for those who are citizens of the Visa Waiver Program countries.
3. FOR HOW LONG IS AN ESTA VALID?
Once your ESTA has been approved, it is valid until the holder’s passport’s expiration date or for two years from the date of the ESTA approval if the holder’s passport is valid for more than two years from the day of ESTA approval.
As previously said, a traveler with an approved ESTA may travel to the USA for up to 90 days in one trip.
Therefore, in most cases, with one valid ESTA you may travel multiple times to the USA, as long as each period of travel does not exceed 90 days.
4. MUST I HAVE TRAVEL PLANS FOR ME TO APPLY FOR AN ESTA?
No, a planned-out route is not necessary. However, in order to finish the ESTA application, you must provide a contact person/number as well as an address at which you will be staying, all in the U.S.
If you’re planning to travel around and not be in just one address, then, in that case, you may enter the first destination’s address in your ESTA application.
LATVIAN CITIZEN TRAVELING TO THE USA?
Apply for an ESTA if you’re planning to visit the U.S.
Apply for USA ESTA Today5. WHEN SHOULD YOU APPLY FOR ESTA?
An ESTA application can be filled out at any time prior to your travels to the USA, however, the minimum time that is advisable to apply for an ESTA is at least 72 hours before boarding the aircraft to the U.S.
Despite the fact that you may receive an answer regarding your ESTA approval or declination within minutes, it is best to apply for your ESTA at least 72 hours before the travel date to avoid any problems with documentation being received and accepted on time.
6. DOES THE ESTA APPROVAL GUARANTEE ENTERING INTO THE USA?
As stated by the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), you are allowed to travel to the U.S. in accordance with the Visa Waiver Program. When arriving at the USA, an official of customs will evaluate your approval of entrance in the country.
7. WHAT TO DO IF MY ESTA APPLICATION IS REJECTED?
If you don’t qualify for an ESTA, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate about applying for a non-immigrant visa B1/B2.
8. WHAT IS ESTA GROUP APPLICATION?
ESTA group application gives the opportunity for one person to apply up to 50 people for an ESTA.
All of the applied people do not have to travel to the USA together, however, a single ID will be made to identify all of the travelers.