USA Travel Entry Requirements & ESTA Guide for Florida
Without an ESTA form or visa, your trip to the USA cannot take place! The entry requirements state that tourists and business travelers must apply for travel authorization online no later than 72 hours before entering the United States. If this is ignored, airlines will not transport travelers.
ESTA registration “Electronic System for Travel Authorization”
Since January 12, 2009, the USA has switched the entry forms to the electronic ESTA system. The computer system checks electronically before departure whether you are authorized to enter the USA. Tourists and business travelers whose stay does not exceed 90 days must apply for this travel authorization. After the one-time application, the authorization is valid for two years and can be used for multiple trips.
A visa in addition to ESTA
Of course, a visa for the USA can also be used instead of ESTA. The visa has the advantage that it is valid for longer than 90 days – travelers can live in the USA with it. If the ESTA application is denied, the only option is to apply for a visa.
ESTA form instructions
Here’s the process: Register on the ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ and complete an application online. Start as early as possible, no later than 72 hours before departure. The response usually comes after just a few seconds:
- Approved – travel authorization has been granted.
- Not accepted – applying for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. embassy is required.
- Pending – check the status on the ESTA website within 72 hours.
Customs regulations when entering the USA
When entering Florida, you must comply with customs regulations:
- Importing vegetables, fruit, meat, plants, soil, and seeds is generally prohibited
- Weapons, fireworks, drugs, and pornographic material are strictly prohibited
- To be safe, carry a doctor’s note for medications
- Duty-free: 1 liter of spirits, 200 cigarettes, gifts up to 100 USD
- Cash amounts of 10,000 USD or more must be declared
Having ESTA handled by a service provider
If you don’t want to submit your ESTA application yourself on the official site https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/, there are companies that will do it for you. Important: Unfortunately, among the various providers there are also some bad actors – be sure to verify your application online and research the company in advance.