The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online application used to determine the eligibility of travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries to visit the United States without a visa. An approved ESTA allows travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit. However, it is not a visa and does not guarantee entry—final approval is granted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.
If you are a citizen or national of one of the Visa Waiver Program countries, you need to obtain an ESTA before traveling to the United States for eligible short-term visits. There are currently around 40 countries in this program, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, most of the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Chile, Israel, and others. All travelers from these countries - regardless of age - must have their own ESTA approval, so this requirement applies equally to adults, children, and infants. If you are not from a visa-exempt country or you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a proper U.S. visa instead of an ESTA. Note: Certain travelers from Visa Waiver countries who have visited specific countries (such as Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Syria, etc.) in recent years, or who hold dual citizenship with those nations, may not be eligible for ESTA and should apply for a visa.
- Valid Electronic Passport: You must have a valid passport from a Visa Waiver country, and it must be an e-passport with an embedded electronic chip.
- Travel Purpose: Your trip must be for tourism, business, or transit. Activities like short vacations, sightseeing, attending meetings or conferences are allowed. You cannot work, study for credit, or immigrate on an ESTA.
- Length of Stay: Each visit to the U.S. can be up to 90 days maximum. You cannot extend your stay beyond 90 days on an ESTA, and you should have a return or onward ticket showing you plan to leave within that period.
- Individual Authorization: Each traveler needs their own ESTA. This includes minors; parents or guardians can fill out applications for children, but even infants must have an approved ESTA to travel.
- Validity: An approved ESTA is valid for two years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first). You can use it for multiple trips to the United States within that validity period, as long as each stay is 90 days or less.
- Timing: It's recommended to apply for your ESTA at least 72 hours before your departure. In many cases approval is quick (often within minutes), but it can take up to a couple of days, so don't wait until the last minute.
- Entry Conditions: Having an ESTA allows you to board a flight or ship to the U.S., but it does not guarantee entry. Upon arrival, you will go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who will check your documents and ensure you meet the entry requirements.
Applying for an ESTA is a straightforward online process. You do not need to visit an embassy or mail any documents. Just follow these steps to submit your application:
- Fill out the ESTA application form online. You will need to enter personal information (such as your name, birth date, and passport details), travel details, and answer some eligibility questions (related to health, criminal history, and travel background).
- Pay the ESTA application fee using a credit or debit card. The payment is made online at the time of the application.
- Submit your application for processing. In most cases, you will receive a decision within minutes, but it can take up to 72 hours for approval. You can check your ESTA status online using your application number if needed.
- Receive your ESTA approval confirmation. If approved, your ESTA is electronically linked to your passport. You will not receive a physical document, but you should record the ESTA application number or print the confirmation for your records. When you check in for your flight, the airline will verify that you have a valid ESTA on file.
Visiting the United States with an ESTA
With an approved ESTA, you can focus on enjoying your trip to the United States and its many attractions and destinations. From iconic cities like New York and Los Angeles to natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon, the USA offers diverse cultural experiences for travelers. Traveling under the Visa Waiver Program means you can explore these sights without the hassle of obtaining a traditional visa. Just remember to respect the 90-day stay limit and follow U.S. entry guidelines to ensure a smooth experience at immigration.
- Apply for your ESTA well in advance of your trip (it's best not to wait until the last minute, even though approvals are often quick).
- Carry a copy of your ESTA approval or note the reference number when you travel. While it's electronically linked to your passport, it can be helpful to have proof of your authorization in case you are asked.
- Make sure your passport will remain valid for the entire duration of your stay in the U.S. (ideally, have at least six months' validity on your passport when you travel).
- Have a return or onward ticket available to show immigration officers. They may ask for proof that you intend to leave the U.S. within 90 days.
- Do not overstay your 90-day allowance. Overstaying can lead to complications, including losing eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program in the future. If you need to stay longer, you will have to apply for an appropriate visa next time.
What does a US ESTA look like?
