New York City, the city that never sleeps, is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in the world, full of iconic sights and monuments.
To enter the United States, however, it is essential to be prepared with the correct documentation to avoid inconveniences. In this article we discuss the three main documents for travelling to America: the e-passport, ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) and health insurance.
Electronic Passport
The e-passport is the first document to be checked. It contains a microchip that stores the holder’s biographical data, allowing easier and safer access through border controls.
It is important to ensure that it is valid for the duration of the trip. It must be legible and in good condition. It is advisable to check its validity in advance of departure so that you have enough time to renew it if necessary.
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation)
If you are a citizen of the European Union and have a passport, you do not need a visa but only need to complete the ESTA, a document that allows you to enter the United States for tourist stays of up to 90 days. This system is used to determine the eligibility of those arriving before boarding direct or transit flights in the United States.
To obtain an ESTA, simply complete the online application, providing personal and travel information. The cost is approximately $21.00. It is advisable to apply at least 72 hours before departure to ensure sufficient time for the approval process. It is also valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Let us now turn to practical compilation information.
First, log on to the US government website and make sure you have your passport handy. On the site, you can change the language to Italian to make it easier to fill out the form and start a new application.
Once you have accepted the terms of the disclaimer, you will need to upload a copy of your passport in .jpg format. Please check that the information is correct and add it to your application. Some fields on the form will be filled in automatically, but you will have to fill in the missing or not automatically entered information. Also add your email address to receive a verification code and application number, which will allow you to check the status of your application and approval.
You will then have to fill in the following information:
- Personal Information: Enter your full residential address, a contact telephone number, your parents’ surname and first name, and your employer’s name and address, if applicable.
- Travel Information: Indicate whether the United States is your final destination or if you are only in transit. If they are your final destination, enter the name and address of the first accommodation where you will stay during your trip. Also provide the name, email address, and telephone number of an emergency contact outside the United States.
- Eligibility Questions: Carefully answer questions about medical conditions, previous detentions, seeking employment in the US, previous visa denials, and travel to certain countries.
- Verification and Payment: Carefully double-check all information entered and proceed with payment. The cost is $21.00, payable by credit card (MasterCard, VISA, American Express) or via PayPal.
Once payment is complete, you will receive an email notification regarding the status of your application. Log back on to the US government website and use the application number to check your ESTA approval and download the document in .pdf format. Approval may take a few days.
You can print the approved authorisation, but it is not necessary as the ESTA is digitally associated with your passport.
Health Insurance
Another factor to consider when travelling to the US is having adequate health insurance. The healthcare system in the US is private and can be costly for non-residents in the event of a need for medical or hospital care. Although not mandatory, in our opinion it is very important to have insurance with adequate coverage while in the US.
Before purchasing health insurance, it is important to read the terms and conditions of the policy carefully to ensure that it meets your specific needs and covers medical expenses and emergencies while travelling in the United States. Read our article on travel insurance.
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In conclusion, when planning a trip to the United States, making sure you have the correct documents is essential to avoid problems during your trip. A valid e-passport, ESTA and adequate health insurance are key items to consider before departure. Always check the Viaggiare Sicuri website before travelling to stay abreast of changes in US entry requirements.
Now that you know all the necessary documents, don’t miss our practical tips on how best to organise your trip!
Last modified: 7 April 2025
