ESTA form extended
The ESTA form was extended as of 23 March 2016 with new questions regarding additional safety measures.
ESTA form extended
ESTA form questionnaire extended as of March 23, 2016 in connection with additional security measures.
There has recently been a change in the application for an ESTA. We have already informed you that many ESTA’s have been withdrawn from people who have dual citizenship from the countries of Iraq, Iran, Sudan or Syria, or have visited one of these countries after March 1. If the above conditions apply to a person’s situation, the ESTA request is likely to be rejected. In that case we will refund the purchase amount to us on your account. Of course, these rules do not apply to military personnel.
America is getting stricter in providing ESTA travel destinations. Due to all recent events about the IS, this was also to be expected. As a result, the application form was partially adapted by the US Department of Homeland Security on March 23, 2016. Additional questions have been added regarding nationality and an additional eligibility question.
What are the Visa Waiver Programme Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015?
Law was established on December 18, 2015 and contains new requirements to travel to America through the Visa Waiver Programme. These new requirements cannot prohibit anyone from applying for a Visa to travel to the US. As of April 1, 2016, it is also a requirement for all VWP travellers to have an electronic passport to travel to the US. Security measures have also been tightened.
What to do when my ESTA has been rejected?
Then you can always apply for a Visa. This also has its advantages. A Visa is valid for 10 years and an ESTA for only 2 years. Alternatively, you can stay for 6 months in the US instead of 90 days with the ESTA. It is also possible to apply for an extension after those 6 months. Another possibility is to request a review at DHS trip. The average waiting time for a DHS trip decision is about 50 days.
What has been changed on the application form?
As mentioned earlier, additional questions have been added;
1. Have you previously been to Iraq, Iran, Syria or Sudan on or after 1 March 2011?
2. Have you ever been issued a passport or national identity card to travel by any other country?
3. Are you currently a citizen or resident of any other country?
4. Have you ever been a citizen or resident of any other country?
It also asks for the passport of the possible second nationality and its validity date. You should also indicate how you obtained this second nationality.
Are there any other countries that may be unable to travel through the Visa Waver Programme?
Yes. Since 18 February 2016, the DHS has announced that the countries of Libya, Somalia and Yemen have been added to the law 'Visa Waiver Programme Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention ACT of 2015'. Once you've visited one of these countries, your ESTA application may be rejected. DHS is still discussing with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with 'National Intelligence' to determine whether several countries should be added to this list. In spring 2016, the DHS will add the questions relating to these countries to the application form.
How is a second nationality determined?
Nationalisation determinations will be made in accordance with US statutory standards and practices. Not only based on the the laws and practices of foreign governments. If you have the idea that you are eligible for an ESTA Travel Permit, you can submit your application and ensure that each question is filled in truthfully. This will determine if you are eligible for an ESTA.
If you have any questions about this, please contact our customer service. We can be reached by telephone, by e-mail or by live-chat.
