Embarking on a journey to the United States evokes images of sprawling cities like New York and LA, the vast grandeur of the Grand Canyon, and the allure of Hollywood. For travelers from Malta, the American dream is within reach, with the ESTA providing swift entry for short stays. However, even seasoned travelers from Malta can encounter hiccups along the way. To ensure your US adventure kicks off without a hitch, let’s navigate the common visa application mistakes to avoid.
One might think that applying for a visa would be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls that Maltese applicants fall into. These mistakes can delay your travel plans or, in the worst-case scenario, result in a denial of entry into the US.
1. Incorrect Personal Information
The most frequent and impactful mistake made by Maltese applicants is providing incorrect personal information on their application form. Even the smallest errors in names, passport numbers, or birth dates can lead to significant delays. It is crucial to double-check every detail against your passport before submission.
2. Passport Validity Issues
Maltese citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their period of stay in the United States. Forgetting to renew your passport on time can disrupt your travel plans. Always ensure your passport’s validity aligns with these requirements.
3. Incomplete or Inaccurate Travel Itinerary
A common oversight is not providing a complete or accurate travel itinerary. While precise details may not always be necessary, having a clear outline of your stay—including a US address—can help avoid any processing delays.
4. Payment Complications
Our process accepts a wide range of payment types, including PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit card. Maltese applicants sometimes encounter issues if their payment method isn’t approved or if there are insufficient funds available. Ensuring your payment method is valid and ready for use is crucial for a successful application process.
5. Missing the Application Deadline
Another common setback is applying too close to the travel date. Maltese travelers need to apply for their ESTA at least 72 hours before departure. For those in need of an ESTA quickly, there are expedited processing options available during checkout.
6. Assuming Past Approval Guarantees Future Approval
Some Maltese citizens mistakenly believe that a previously approved ESTA guarantees future approvals. Changes in circumstances or errors in new applications can lead to unexpected denials.
7. Misunderstanding ESTA Requirements
It’s pivotal for travelers from Malta to comprehend the requirements and limitations of the ESTA, which is not a traditional visa but a travel authorization for tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes without the need for a visa. This program is available thanks to Malta’s inclusion in the VWP (VWP Countries).
8. Choosing the Wrong Visa Category
For longer stays or purposes such as work or study, a different type of visa—beyond the ESTA—may be necessary. Ensure that your intended activities in the US comply with the ESTA’s allowances or seek an appropriate visa.
9. Neglecting Important Updates
Should your passport or other relevant personal information change post-approval, it is mandatory to update your ESTA details or risk denial at the border.
10. Attempting Multiple Applications
In the event of an application denial, attempting to reapply multiple times without changing the circumstances that led to the first denial is futile and could complicate future visa applications.
Conclusion
To Maltese citizens dreaming of the American skyline or a deep dive into its diverse cultural offerings, the United States beckons. By steering clear of these common mistakes and submitting an accurate, carefully-prepared ESTA application, your travel plans will be one step closer to reality. Remember, when you’re ready to apply for your ESTA, visit our easy-to-use online application form to ensure a smooth start to your American journey.
- 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 authorisation, 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.
Here’s to a flawlessly executed application and the incredible US experiences that await. For further questions or assistance, the team at eVisaUS is here to support you every step of the way.
