A U.S entry waiver is a juridical document that grants a special entry into the US for a certain period of time; i.e. people with criminal records in Canada require an entry waiver to enter the US. When a convict  enters the US, the database accessed by custom agents is the same the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) uses. If the person has been charged or fingerprinted before, an FPS number is generated which is linked with the person’s name and criminal record. Therefore, if any convicted person makes an attempt to enter the U. by land or air without a valid entry waiver, custom agents will instantly be on alert owing to  the criminal record.

If an individual has been charged before for Driving Under Influence (DUI) only once then it might not cause any problems to enter US without entry waiver. However, the custom agents have the discretion and authority to deny entry due to any kind of charges present on the individual’s record. It is, therefore, better to apply for a .S entry waiver to avoid so that your entry cannot be denied under these circumstances.

The US Homeland Security Visa Waiver Program

A US entry waiver is issued by the Department of Homeland Security in consultation with the State of the Department. The Homeland Security Waiver program allow applicants to enter the US for business or vacation purposes  and lasts for 90 days. Applicants can stay in the country for this time period without a Visa.

The US entry waiver can only be availed by citizens of these 38 countries, which in turn, are also required to permit entry to US citizens or nationals US citizens can similarly visit these countries for vacation or business purposes for the same amount of time.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

ESTA is a computerized program that determines the eligibility of a person trying to enter the US. Authorization through ESTA doesn’t determine the eligibility of a person travelling to the US as this is determined by custom agents and border protection officers upon the person’s arrival. The ESTA application gathers biographic data and answers to eligibility questions posed in the Visa Waiver Program. It also involves comprehensive vetting of every person departing from the US under the Visa Waiver Program, arriving at US ports of entry and also during their subsequent stay within the country.

You can apply for ESTA at any time but it is recommended that you apply as soon as you make plans to travel or right before purchasing your airline ticket.