Safety and convenience in the new ESTA clearance process

To travel to the United States without a visa, both tourists and business travelers need to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Visa-free travel is available to citizens of 41 countries, including European states.

U.S. authorities are constantly improving the process of obtaining electronic travel authorization. Recently, the ESTA mobile app was introduced to make the process even more convenient for applicants. When using the ESTA mobile app, it is easy to upload all the required documents directly from your mobile device.

To process a permit on the ESTA mobile app, one must scan the identification page of the passport and provide a personal photo that matches the identification document. These measures verify the applicant's identity, ensure that the data is correct, and increase security when entering the United States.

According to the Federal Register, U.S. Customs and Border Protection plans to incorporate this verification process into the web-based version of ESTA. This update will also require applicants to provide a facial photo or selfies, in addition to the photo on the passport page, to verify that the applicant is the legitimate passport holder. Details on this change will be released by May 30, 2024.

With the upcoming change to the ESTA application process, U.S. authorities are also looking to simplify the travel authorization process through the introduction of biometric authentication. U.S. Customs and Border Protection says that in the near future, there will be “an additional option for users to retrieve their ESTA application, submitted through a website or mobile app, using biometric authentication on their phone and create a profile for easy access to their ESTA application and travel authorization.”

Travelers will soon be able to obtain an ESTA using biometric data stored on their mobile device. This innovative feature, which will be available at the user's request, will allow the ESTA application to identify the user's identity and provide secure access to information without the need to re-enter credentials. It is important to note that all biometric data will be stored and secured locally on the user's mobile device in accordance with security regulations.

Once the mobile app is installed, new users will be given the option to save their ESTA application information and utilize the biometric data for easy access to the application in the future. This simplifies the login process and makes using the application more convenient and secure for ESTA users.

These updates are aimed at improving the security and convenience of ESTA users. The new requirements and features make the application and authorization process more secure and accessible for all passengers.