Until now, anyone allowed to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program could apply for the necessary Electronic Entry Permit (ESTA) via the official website of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Now the application is also possible via smartphone app. The app is currently available in 40 countries and in 24 languages. According to information from the trade magazine DMM, travelers to the United States can use the app to:

• open an Esta application
• scan a photo of their passport
• have their passport read and confirmed
• upload a selfie video to confirm their identity
• Add personal data and travel details to the application
• Review and submit their application
• Changing and updating the application and profile
• Receive application status notifications
• Save preferences and profile details in the app