Many people have the USA on their bucket list of countries they want to visit. By visiting the USA, you can:
- soak in its modern culture
- visit the iconic locations
- get in touch with nature at Yellowstone National Park
- explore the culinary culture.
Being from Australia, you must apply for an American visa for Australian citizens, and start planning your journey.
Travel Documentation: America Travel Visa
America Travel Visa, also called the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), is a travel tool that allows you to visit the USA without opting for a consular visa. However, only people from certain countries are eligible to opt for the ESTA.
Due to its fairly short approval period, you may apply for the ESTA at any time before your travels. However, our advice is to apply as soon as you start planning. This allows you to have a certain window in case any issues come up.
Categories That You Can Apply Under
When applying for a Visitor Visa to the USA, you can opt for one of the following:
- B1 – Business Visa: This includes attending conferences, conventions, and meetings.
- B2 – Tourist Visa: This can be obtained if you are visiting America for tourism, vacations, meeting friends, medical treatment, and social events.
However, for study, employment, paid performances, or staying as a permanent resident, a Visitor Visa cannot be obtained.
However, applying for a visitor visa at the consulate can be a lengthy procedure. By opting for the ESTA (American Travel Visa), you can apply online and get quicker approval.
Benefits of the ESTA
By opting for the America Travel Visa or ESTA, you get the below benefits:
- Avail a visit for 90 days
- Simple and user friendly process
- Hassle free application
- Avoid queues at the consulate and airport immigration
Are You Eligible?
If you are a citizen from one of the visa waiver countries, you may opt for the America Travel Visa or the ESTA. However, your purpose of visit should be one of the below:
- Tourism
- Business
- Visiting Family
- Transit
When applying for the America visa for Australian citizens, the easiest way is to go for the ESTA. Apply for an ESTA in case of one of the below:
- Not having a visitor visa
- Have a travel plan that lasts less than 90 days
You may opt for an individual ESTA or one that is meant for a group of two or more.
Steps to Apply for an America Travel Visa
When applying for the ESTA, the steps to follow are simple:
- Visit the online portal
- Enter the necessary information
- Enter travel information
- Clarify your eligibility
- Check your application
- Pay for your ESTA form
- Click on submit
To add, you will need to keep the below documents on hand:
- A valid passport that belongs to a visa waiver country
- A recent photograph
- Record of finances (Bank Statement)
- Travel Itinerary
- Return tickets
Further, you may be asked to provide details of your official ID, contact details, and a local address (that belongs to the USA). Once your payment is complete and your application submitted, retain a copy and wait for a decision (approval/ rejection).
Approvals are sent to the provided email ID. When your visa is confirmed, take a print and produce this at immigration along with your passport.
Guidelines for a Smooth Trip to the USA
When planning any trip, it is best to have some knowledge of the place that you are visiting. This includes its climate, laws, current scenario, and more. Planning a trip to the USA involves getting an America visa for Australian citizens. Read through a travel advisory, apply for your visa or ESTA, map out places you want to visit, and start working on your itinerary.
Travel Advice for the USA
If you are planning to visit the USA, do the below:
- Avoid areas with a high rate of crime and violence
- Be wary of mass violence at public events
- Check weather forecasts for severe events like floods, wildfires, and earthquakes.
- Get a travel insurance that is inclusive of health insurance
- Be up to date on your vaccinations
- Check local laws for carrying medication and make sure to have a prescription
- Carry a valid Visa or ESTA, as per your eligibility
- Having the Visa or ESTA does not guarantee entry; Immigration Officials will determine your eligibility at the entry port
- Opt for an IDP (International Driving Permit) if you intend to drive
For more queries, you may visit the local Australian Embassy/ Consulate.
Organize Necessary Travel Documents
These include a passport, a travel itinerary, a valid American visa for Australian citizen, and documents that are needed to apply for said visa. Read through the travel instructions, gather all necessary documents, and get started on your travel plans.
Ensure a Visa Approval
When traveling to the USA, getting an American visa for Australian citizens is essential. When applying for the America Travel Visa, maintain the below precautions:
Accuracy in the Data Submitted
Each data field that you answer should be correct and verifiable. Be sure to avoid any mistakes in spelling, and enter each information to match your passport.
Providing Correct Supporting Documents in the Prescribed Format
These may include a copy of your ID, passport, bank records, accommodation and hotel reservations, your return ticket, and others. Not only can these be needed when you work on your America Travel Visa, but they may also be asked for by the Immigration officials at the entry check point.
Having Sufficient Proof of Funds
When planning to travel abroad, it is important to be able to support yourself through your travel plans and have some cash in hand for emergencies. To ensure this, you may be asked to submit bank statements that prove you have sufficient funds.
Having No Prior History of Visa Rejections
While most tourist visas get approved, there is always a chance of getting a rejection. This increases when you have a past record of visa rejections. To avoid this, make sure all your information is true and verifiable.
Getting your ESTA approved does not equate to a sure-shot entry into the USA. Immigration officials will check your visa, passport, and other documents at your entry checkpoint and may stop you from traveling.
Get a Health Check
No one wants to fall sick when traveling. Hence, it is always smarter to visit the doctor before getting set on your travels. Further, it is smart to know any health risks that may be associated with traveling to the USA.
Get a thorough physical and mental evaluation to identify if you have any issues that can turn into a cause for concern. Address even minor medical conditions and carry necessary prescriptions for every medicine that you are prescribed and may be required.
Plan for Emergencies
This can occur in any country and at any stage of travel. It is best to be prepared with adequate funds in case any such situations arise.
Further, have the contact details for the local Australian embassies on hand when traveling.
Get Ready for Your Trip to the USA
Traveling to the USA is easy with the ESTA. Apply online for the American Travel Visa, and get started on your itinerary.
For doubts regarding the visa, go through Visa Instructions in detail.
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