For how long will the personal data inserted in the ESTA form be stored?
The data will be stored in the security unit for 2 years. After that, they get archived. In some cases, as in passport expiration preceding the Esta expiration, even less.
However, the DHS can store this data for an additional year. Subsequently, the data will be stored to grant their recovery in case of need. Storing limits more the personnel authorized to see such data.
As requested by the American legislation in matters of security and from the American Congress, ESTA data will be stored for 75 years, as previously executed with the module I-94W. In addition, all those ESTA modules where the application of law is required will not be stored. These cases are cases where individuals have been charged or reported, or where the ESTA application has been refused.
This all complies with the laws regulating the Customs and Border Protection.
Example 1: Ernest
Ernest is a web security expert. Nearing his travel to Los Angeles, he wanted to do a quick research to the discovery of how the American Authorities treat the information associated with a travel authorization.
What Ernest discovered confirmed what he himself suspected, that is:
- – Since the Esta is strictly connected to the national security of the United States, there are not certain news on the treatment of the program data of travel without a visa.
- – It seems to be obvious that every time an Esta has to be renewed, the old one gets archived and the new one remains updated in the database.
- – Since a travel document is valid for two years, after the expiration an Esta gets archived.
- – The central database of the US government is always capable of breeding sensitive information through their archives and the current information on terminals.
Get your ESTA Visa in 3 easy steps!
1. Complete the application form in full.
2. Confirm personal and payment information.
3. Receive a confirmation email from us shortly.