Traveling to the United States epitomizes an adventure into a land of diversity, opportunity, and cultural richness. For Israeli passport holders, the marvels of the U.S.—from the bustling streets of New York City to the sprawling vistas of the Grand Canyon—are just a flight away. But before you can immerse yourself in the American experience, it’s essential to ensure your travel documentation is in order, particularly your Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
For those unaware, the ESTA is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing citizens from VWP countries like Israel to enter the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Before booking your trip, however, you need to check the status of your ESTA to ensure it’s valid for your travel dates. Let’s walk through what Israeli applicants need to know about checking their ESTA status.
Understanding ESTA for Israeli Passport Holders
Before diving into the process of checking your ESTA status, it’s vital to understand what ESTA is and how it works. The ESTA is not a visa; rather, it’s a travel authorization that pre-screens travelers before they board their transportation to the U.S. It’s required for all Israeli nationals who wish to take advantage of the VWP. The authorization is linked to your passport and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
How to Apply for an ESTA
If you haven’t applied for an ESTA yet or need to renew your previous authorization, the process is straightforward:
- Fill out our easy-to-use online application form. The application takes about 10 minutes. Make sure to have your passport handy.
- Submit & Pay for your application. We accept all payment types. PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay & Credit Card.
- Get your ESTA emailed to you within 72hrs. We’ll email you your approved travel authorization, and that’s it, you’re ready to go!
If you need your ESTA in a hurry, you can choose from our two expedited processing options. Simply select your add-on at checkout.
How to Check Your ESTA Status
It’s crucial for Israeli nationals to check their ESTA status well in advance of their travel date. Here’s how to verify that your ESTA is still valid:
- Prepare your passport as you’ll need the passport number and the biographical information it contains.
- Visit the dedicated section for checking ESTA status on our platform, where you can securely provide your details.
- Enter the required information, including your ESTA number if available. If you don’t have this number at hand, you may use your passport details to make the inquiry.
- Submit your information, and within moments, you’ll receive confirmation of the status of your ESTA application.
Should you find that your ESTA has expired or is about to, simply follow the above steps to reapply for a new ESTA authorization.
Tips for Israeli ESTA Applicants
When dealing with the ESTA process, there are a few tips Israeli applicants should keep in mind:
- Always check your ESTA status several weeks before your planned travel to the U.S. This gives you ample time to reapply if necessary.
- Remember that an approved ESTA does not automatically guarantee admission to the United States. Border protection officers at ports of entry have the authority to grant or deny admission.
- Keep an electronic and a physical copy of your ESTA with you during your travels.
- If your passport expires, your ESTA expires with it. Therefore, always ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s address some common queries that Israeli applicants might have:
What if my ESTA application is denied?
If your ESTA application is denied, you may need to apply for a visitor visa, such as a B-2 visa, at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Can I extend my stay in the U.S. on an ESTA?
No, you cannot extend your stay beyond 90 days on the VWP. You must leave the U.S. before your admitted until date.
Is an ESTA required for children?
Yes, all travelers, including children and infants, require an ESTA authorization or a visa to enter the U.S.
Conclusion
For Israeli travelers, the ESTA represents a convenient and efficient means to visit the United States. Always be proactive in checking your ESTA status well before your travel dates to ensure a seamless journey. And rest assured, you can count on us at eVisaUS to guide you smoothly through your ESTA application and status checking process — turning your American dream into a reality.
