As football in the country develops both in terms of popularity and quality, travelling to the USA continues to present itself as an increasingly attractive option for football fans around the world. With the help of ESTA, such trips can become a reality.
Have you ever wanted to experience what football is like in another country? Visit new stadiums, meet new people, and expose yourself to new footballing cultures? Well, perhaps a trip to the United States could be the perfect sporting vacation.
Football - or 'soccer', as it is known in their neck of the woods - is rapidly becoming one of the country's most popular sports. While the typical mainstays of american football, baseball and basketball are undoubtedly the top three, football is starting to draw in more and more fans. They travel across the country to watch the sport, but more and more are coming from around the world.
In order to be one of these lucky people experiencing football in the USA - perhaps for the first time - it is important to know what the requirements are to travel to the country. And this is where the ESTA application comes in.
ESTA is an abbreviation for 'Electronic System for Travel Authorisation' and is a travel authorisation in electronic format necessary to get into the United States. Airline companies will check each traveller entering the USA to ensure they have completed the ESTA application and thus hold the necessary visa. But when exactly do you need to apply for one?
An application is perfect for those who want to experience the world of football around the US, as tourism is one of the requirements to travel to the USA via an ESTA visa. Others include visiting friends, family, clients or suppliers; undergoing medical treatment; or attending important things regarding business, be that meeting, negotiations or conferences.
Further requirements to travel to the USA include a valid passport for the entirety of a 90-day stay and a pre-booked return ticket. The staying limit under the ESTA visa begins from the moment of arrival into the United States, a journey which cannot be made by private plane or ship. Also, with the possession of the ESTA visa, travellers may not apply for a US visa.
Travellers are also made aware of further requirements to travel to the USA, such as their background, medical history and criminal record. Everything is explained in a clear and informative manner on their website, meaning fans across the world can be sure that their ESTA application is filled out correctly.
Experiencing football in the USA has never been so easy. With the simple completion of an application, travellers can enjoy a sport that is not only on the up in terms of popularity, but also in terms of quality.
Ever since David Beckham made his famous move to LA Galaxy many years ago, Major League Soccer (MLS) has seen some of the football world's biggest stars decide to play their football there.
Names such as Andrea Pirlo, David Villa and Gonzalo Higuian, to name a few, have all injected the MLS with their quality. This has gone alongside a recent drive in developing young talent to create a truly competitive league that has twists and turns around every corner.
With stadiums in the US beginning to re-open as the world returns to normality following the pandemic, there has never been a more rewarding opportunity to experience first hand what football the country has to offer. With the ESTA application, that possibility can become a reality.