Learn What Databases Does ESTA Check

A few years ago, the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) security measures were improved with the development of the ESTA. What is ESTA Visa? An Electronic System for Travel Authorization allows the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to screen potential travelers and determine if they pose a security risk before they enter the flight to the United States. The agency checks several sources for the screening process, but the question remains, "What Databases does ESTA Check?

How ESTA Applicants are Assessed

ESTA was developed to help manage the issues and vulnerabilities that arise as a result of Visa-free travel. It provides an additional level of security by carefully screening the travelers in advance. This enables the US Department of Homeland Security ESTA to concentrate on the applicants that could pose a security risk.

After the development of ESTA, many people have applied for the ESTA Visa from all over the world every day and were approved for travel, but thousands were denied as they did not pass the screening process. This is because the Department of Homeland Security is interested in ensuring terrorists who possess a passport from one of the VWP countries do not enter the country.

New Changes To ESTA Protocols

Due to the growing risk associated with visa-free travel, the DHS has decided to improve the security protocols of the Visa Waiver Program with changes to the ESTA. While maintaining the Visa-free travel benefit, the changes aim to enhance the applicant's screening process by the US Customs and Border Protection. This will also help improve the vetting process of foreign fighters just returning to the United States.

These changes come with some additional questions on the ESTA USA application form. Some of the most common of these new questions include;

• Parent's Name
• Their other names or Aliases (if applicable).
• Their Personal ID number or National ID (if applicable).
• Their Global Entry ID number (if applicable).
• Their Employment information, including their current or previous employer’s name, address, and contact number. (if applicable).
• The applicant's Point of Contact in the United States (the name, address, and phone number) (if applicable).
• Birth Location.
• Applicant's Valid Email Address.
• Applicant's Phone Number and Home Address.
• Applicant's Emergency Contact (phone number and email address).

However, it should be noted that these changes do not make it the same as a US Visa. However, applying for an ESTA is generally easier than processing a Visa, which would often require collecting biographical and biometric information and so a personal interview with a US Consular Officer. However, even with these new changes, the number of applicants for the ESTA visa keeps growing as more people wish to visit the United States.

Databases Used By ESTA to determine if a traveler is eligible or not

The main source of information for ESTA during the applicant screening process is the applicant's country. The country registered in the VWP program is legally required to forward information and collaborate on security matters concerning ESTA applicants that might arise in the United States. Every two years, the Visa Waiver Program updates its list of countries to ensure each country's status is reviewed for security and terrorism activities.

So anytime you apply for an ESTA on their official website, the algorithm has been designed to immediately crosscheck the personal details you provided against many databases around the world (not excluding the Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB)). Other databases considered include;

• Stolen and Lost Passports
• ESTA Database for any previous denial of ESTA application.
• Expedited removals
• Visa Revocation
• Public Health Departments, including the Center for Disease Control (CDC), to find out if the applicants have any communicable disease that may endanger the public’s health.

If you manage to pass all these screening processes, you can Check Your ESTA Status Online to see that it's been approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is ESTA checked?

It can be checked on the official ESTA website.

If you have a criminal record, is it possible to be approved for ESTA?

No, ESTA crosschecks a wide range of databases, and if you have a criminal record, that will most likely affect your ESTA eligibility.

For How Long Is ESTA Valid?

The typical validity period of an ESTA two years, starting from the time it was issued.

Who needs ESTA?

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries plan to visit the state for less than 90 days.

Conclusion

Due to the growing risk associated with visa-free travel, the DHS has decided to improve the security protocols of the Visa Waiver Program with changes to the ESTA. So anytime you apply for an ESTA on their official website, the algorithm has been designed to immediately crosscheck the personal details you provided against many databases around the world.

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