ESTA meaning in Academic & Science ?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). ESTA was mandated by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 for travelers from VWP countries arriving in the U.S. by air or sea. Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers determine admissibility upon travelers’ arrival. The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions.

As of December 2018, it is strongly encouraged that ESTA applications be submitted at least 72 hours prior to travel, and travelers can apply as soon as they begin preparing travel plans or prior to purchasing airline tickets. Passengers (including babies) without an ESTA will be denied check in. In 2010, U.S. Customs and Border Protection began charging a fee of US$14 per ESTA application.ESTA is also needed for visits to territories such as Guam, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.

ESTA is not needed when arriving by land from Canada or Mexico (there is no check-in, but an I-94W paper form must be filled in).