Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
Specialist guidance and key information to support your Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application for travel to the United States
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The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online system established by the United States to pre-screen travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries before they travel to the U.S.
The ESTA allows citizens from 42 countries to visit the United States for short-term stays of up to 90 days without applying for a traditional visa.
ESTA vs. USA Visa:
Which One Do
I Need?
An ESTA is intended for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries who want to visit the United States for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days. It is an online travel authorization, not a visa, and the application process is quick and does not require an embassy visit. A U.S. visa, on the other hand, is required for travelers who are not eligible for ESTA, who plan to stay longer than 90 days, or who intend to work, study, or immigrate.
Visa applications are handled through a U.S. embassy or consulate and usually involve an interview and supporting documentation. So, if you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and your trip is short-term, you will generally need an approved ESTA. Otherwise, you must apply for the appropriate U.S. visa.
USA ESTA
- 42 countries from the VWP
- Tourism, transit, and specific business purposes
- Online application process
- Processing is typically completed within 72 hours
- Non-extendable
USA Visa
- Most nationalities
- Long-term stays, tourism, work, study, business, etc.
- Through a U.S. embassy or consulate
- Processing may take several weeks or even months
- Extendable, but depends on the visa type
What Do We Offer?
We provide clear guidance on the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), including eligibility requirements and step-by-step support for preparing and submitting your application, as well as a thorough review to help ensure it is accurate and complete.
We are a professional travel and tourism company specializing in providing travelers with reliable information, expert assistance for online visa and ETA applications, and customized travel packages. Please note that we are not affiliated with any government.
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What Can I Do
with the ESTA?
An approved ESTA permits travelers to visit the United States for specific short-term purposes under the Visa Waiver Program, including:
Tourism, vacation, sightseeing
1
Visiting family and friends
2
Business purposes, meetings, conferences
3
Transit through the U.S.
4
Understand
All the Details
To support a better understanding of the ESTA, the following points outline important validity rules and key conditions.
Validity
2 Years
An approved ESTA is usually valid for two years, or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
Stay Duration
90 Days
The ESTA allows multiple visits to the U.S. within the validity period, as long as each stay does not exceed 90 days and the reason for travel meets the Visa Waiver Program conditions. The 90-day stay cannot be extended, and applicants cannot travel to the U.S. on an ESTA and then apply for a different visa while in the U.S.
Processing Time
72 Hours
The majority of ESTA applications are processed within 72 hours, although it may be faster. However, applicants are encouraged to apply at least a week before their planned travel time, in case there are any additional checks or delays.
If Denied
Visa
If an ESTA application is denied and you still want to travel to the U.S., you will need to apply for a U.S. travel visa instead. For example, you could apply for a B-2 Visa for tourism or a B-1 Visa for business purposes.
Am I Eligible?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), for travel to America, has specific eligibility requirements, that travelers must comply with. To be eligible for the U.S. ESTA, you must comply with some criteria.
To be eligible for an ESTA, you must also be a citizen of one of the 42 Visa Waiver Program countries. This includes passport holders from Australia, Germany, Qatar, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
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-
90 Days
Be planning to visit the U.S. for a maximum of 90 days.
-
Specific travel purposes
Be traveling for tourism purposes, transit through
the U.S., or specific business purposes. -
Eligible Country
Be a passport holder from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country.
-
Carrier
Be traveling to the U.S. on a VWP signatory carrier (e.g., an approved airline).
-
USA Visa
U.S. visa holders are not required to apply for ESTA authorization.
-
Travel Proof
Have proof of onward or return travel.
-
Destination
Not planning to end your travel in a contiguous territory that you are not a resident of.
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Countries Eligible for the ESTA
You can apply for an ESTA if you are a citizen of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program. Below is the list of VWP countries whose citizens are eligible for the ESTA.
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brunei
Chile
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Malta
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom
How to Apply for an ESTA?
To apply for an ESTA, there are specific documents that applicants must provide.
-
Valid Passport
Applicants must hold a valid electronic passport issued by a Visa Waiver Program country. In most eligible countries, the passport is required to be valid for the period of the traveler’s stay in the United States.
-
Personal Photo
ESTA applicants must upload a clear photograph that meets passport-style photo standards and matches their current appearance.
-
Email Address
Information about your application status (e.g., application received, application approved) will be sent to the email address provided in the application form.
-
Payment Method
Valid payment methods include valid debit or credit cards.
Step 1
Complete Application Form
The ESTA application can be completed online. The form requires information including the applicant’s passport details, personal and contact information, and details of their planned travel to the United States.
Step 2
Upload Necessary Documents
Applicants are required to upload supporting documents as part of their application. This may include a scanned copy of their passport and a high-quality personal photo.
Step 3
Pay ESTA Application Fee
The ESTA application fee can be paid using a valid Visa or Mastercard.
Step 4
Receive Your ESTA approval
If your ESTA application is approved, the approval will be sent to your email. The authorization will be linked electronically to the passport you applied with, and that same passport must be used for your trip to the United States.
Essential Tips for
Traveling to the U.S.
with an ESTA
If you are traveling to the United States using an ESTA, follow the tips below to ensure a successful visit.
Apply Early
Although the majority of applications are processed within 72 hours, this is not a guarantee. It is, therefore, recommended to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Check Your ESTA Status
Make sure your ESTA is still valid before you travel. The authorization must be active and linked to the same passport you will use to enter the United States. If your ESTA has expired, you will need to submit a new application before traveling.
Check Your Passport
Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay in the United States and matches the details used in your ESTA application.
Comply with the Permitted Purposes of Travel
Ensure that your activities comply with the purposes of travel permitted under the ESTA. For example, some business activities — such as attending meetings or conferences — are allowed, while others, such as undertaking paid work, are not permitted.
Print a Copy of Your ESTA
Although this is not a necessity, having a printed copy of your ESTA approval, or saving a copy on your phone, can help you prove your status if required.
Be Prepared at the Border
An ESTA does not guarantee entry to the United States. Travelers may be asked to answer questions or provide documents on arrival, and the final decision on entry rests with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers.
Make Sure You Have an Onward Ticket
Travelers must have proof of a return or onward ticket when traveling to the United States. You may be asked to present this before boarding or upon arrival, and it helps confirm that your stay is temporary and compliant with the Visa Waiver Program conditions.
Don’t Overstay the 90-day Limit
Make sure you leave the United States within the 90-day period permitted under the Visa Waiver Program. Even a short overstay can affect your ability to travel to the U.S. in the future.
Frequently
Asked Questions
An ESTA is typically valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires – whichever one comes first. For example, if you obtain an ESTA on the 31st of October 2025, but your passport expires on the 1st of April 2027, your ESTA will no longer be valid after the 1st of April. This is because an ESTA is connected to your passport, and if you get a new passport, you will also need a new ESTA. Additionally, if you change your name or country of citizenship, you will need to obtain a new ESTA.
Yes, if you are from a Visa Waiver Program Country and are transiting through the U.S. on the way to another country, you will still need to apply for an ESTA, even if you don’t plan to leave the airport in the U.S.
If your ESTA expires while you are in the U.S., you are still allowed to stay in the country for up to 90 days. The expiration will not affect your departure from the country.
Yes, every traveler to the U.S. from a VWP country requires an ESTA, including infants and children. Parents or legal guardians can apply for an ESTA on behalf of the child. To apply for an ESTA, a child must have their own passport. Children listed on a parent’s passport will not be eligible for an ESTA.
If you need to make changes to your ESTA application, you can do so online. However, this depends on the type of changes you need to make. For example, if you need to change your address or other personal/ travel information, this can be done. However, if you need to change your passport information, date of birth, or country of citizenship, this is not possible, and you will need to submit a new application instead.
If you are from a VWP country and don’t have a valid visa for the U.S., you will not be able to board a flight or ship to the USA without a valid ESTA. However, there are some exceptions. For example, Canadian passport holders do not need a visa or ESTA when traveling to the US for short-term visits.
Not all travelers entering the United States are required to have a passport valid for six months beyond their departure date. Nationals of certain ESTA-eligible (Visa Waiver Program) countries are exempt under U.S. passport validity agreements and only need a passport that is valid for the duration of their intended stay in the United States.
Find the list of exempt ESTA-eligible countries below.
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Chile
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Republic of Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom
Your U.S. Journey
Can Start Today!
Apply today to make sure your ESTA is approved before you travel.
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