Alaska is a breathtaking state that is also jam-packed with exciting opportunities. Visitors to Alaska hail from literally every corner of the globe. There was anticipated to be an increase in the number of tourists visiting Alaska. Because Alaska is a territory of the United States, it is required to comply with immigration laws set by the United States. Certain nationalities must have a visa for Alaska, while others are not. Non-visa holders must acquire ESTA permission before entering Alaska.
The long and illustrious history of Alaska can be traced back to the advent of the region’s first indigenous peoples many thousands of years ago. The following is an abbreviated chronology of Alaska:
- First, Alaska’s indigenous people have inhabited the state for at least 10,000 years. Alaska is home to numerous indigenous groups, including the Athabaskan, Haida, Tlingit, Inupiat, and Yup’ik.
- In 1741, Russian explorer Vitus Bering conducted an expedition to Alaska and formally claimed the territory for Russia. This event signaled the beginning of the region’s second colonial period under Russian control. The Russian American Company was founded in 1799 to capitalize on the lucrative fur and marine markets in the region.
- In 1867, the United States paid Russia $7,2,000,000 to purchase Alaska from them. Due to the abundance of gold, oil, and timber in Alaska, the acquisition was ridiculed then, but it turned out to be a fantastic deal in retrospect.
- In 1896, when gold was discovered in the Yukon, Alaska experienced a gold rush. Thousands of people traveled to the region intending to better their financial circumstances due to the gold rush; new communities, infrastructure, and businesses were established throughout Alaska.
- Alaska was officially admitted into the Union and designated as the 49th state of the United States of America on January 3, 1959. Due to the development of new industries, such as tourism, fishing, and oil, the state’s economy flourished.
- With the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act in 1971, indigenous peoples could receive a $962.5 million settlement or 44 million acres of land in exchange for their claims. Given that it acknowledged its sovereignty, this was a momentous occasion for Alaska’s indigenous population.
Today’s Alaska is a state that is both economically prosperous and culturally diverse, as it effectively combines Western customs with indigenous traditions. People from all over the globe travel here to view its diverse ecosystems and take advantage of the abundant resources it provides.
Travel Requirements to Alaska
For US citizens, a visa is not required, while for citizens outside the US, you need to have a passport and a US visa. On top of having a US Visa, you must register for an ESTA within 72 hours to register for one. Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA, is a requirement for visitors coming into the United States from any of the forty nations that do not require visas to enter the country. It was approved by the Department of Homeland Security in the United States, and it is valid for two years. Visitors who enter the country without a visa are permitted numerous entries. You might get a work visa or a tourist visa, for which requirements for each are different. Whatever reason you might have to travel to Alaska, it is essential to plan your travel to ensure no hiccups.