Trekking in the USA? Don't Forget Your ESTA!

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How many of us have dreamed of taking at least one trip to the USA in our lifetime?!

I'm not talking about a long weekend in Miami or New York (cities I absolutely love, by the way), but a proper extended journey to discover the soul and heart of the United States, perhaps by RV, behind the wheel of a convertible Mustang, or entirely on foot.

Think of the Arizona desert, the vibrant energy of California, the vast ranches of Colorado or Montana, the cold fascination of Alaska, Louisiana with New Orleans, the country music of Nashville... and then imagine the countless National Parks scattered across the USA and the thousand trekking experiences awaiting you.

The USA is indeed the ideal destination for trekking and walking enthusiasts! Not only for the hundreds of kilometres of trails in the National Parks (read the article Trekking in America's National Parks) but also for its long-distance trails, such as the John Muir Trail, the Appalachian Trail, or the Pacific Crest Trail (read the article 10 spectacular journeys across America – strictly on foot).

ESTA for the USA: what you need to know

Once you've decided what to visit and which trek to undertake, you'll need to focus on the planning phase and, most importantly, the documents required to make your dream of a USA trip a reality. You'll need to know everything about ESTA

The first thing to know is that to enter the USA, even for just one day, you need to apply for an ESTA. ESTA, short for "Electronic System for Travel Authorization", is a document issued by U.S. Customs & Border Protection that authorizes the applicant to enter the USA.

Requesting an ESTA for the USA is remarkably simple and quick! It takes just 5 minutes and an internet connection. The application is done online and your ESTA is sent directly to your email.

The form requires, in addition to your personal and contact details, some information about your trip:

• Your planned arrival date
• Whether you're transiting through another country
• Whether you already know your first accommodation address in the USA
• Whether you have a contact person in the USA
• An emergency contact, even outside the USA

Before completing the form, you'll have the opportunity to add another traveller – whether a family member or travel companion. Each traveller must have their own ESTA, whether an adult or child.

ESTA approval takes a maximum of 72 hours. However, you can request expedited processing and receive it within one hour.

The cost of the request is €29.95 per person, plus an additional €17.50 for expedited processing.

ESTA for the USA is valid for two years – great news, especially during times of postponed trips and changing plans.

Of course, you need to meet certain ESTA requirements

Among the most important ones:

• Have a passport valid for the entire duration of your stay
• Already be in possession of your return ticket
• Leave the USA within a maximum of 90 days

USA Visa: when you need one

What if your trip lasts longer than 90 days?

Perhaps you've decided to tackle the Appalachian Trail and walk all 3,500 kilometres of this incredible route over 5-6 months! An undertaking certainly not for everyone, but absolutely unique!

In this case, if you're already in the USA with an ESTA and want to postpone your return beyond 90 days, I must tell you that you CANNOT do this. Visitors cannot request any extension. You'll have to return to your home country and leave again with a new ESTA.

If, however, you know before departure that your trip will last longer than 90 days, the solution is a VISA – specifically a B-2 visa for tourism. The procedure is considerably longer and more complicated than the ESTA application and requires a personal visit to the US Embassy. You'll find all the information on the website of the US Embassy and Consulates in Italy.

Now you have all the information you need to set off for the USA.

All that's left is to choose your first destination and begin your adventure!

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