ESTA Electronic System for Travel Authorization
TRAVEL TO USA WITH ESTA
Apply to ESTA with 4 easy steps
1. APPLY ESTA ONLINE
2. TRAVEL TO THE U.S.
3. US IMMIGRATION
4. WELCOME TO THE U.S.
What does ESTA mean?
ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA is an online application system developed by the United States government. The ESTA purpose is to pre-screen over 12 million foreign travelers before they are allowed to board an airplane or cruise ship bound for the United States. Since January 12, 2009, any person entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program is required to hold an approved ESTA electronic system for travel authorization.
Who Needs to Apply for ESTA?
All travelers entering the United States (by air or sea) under the Visa Waiver Program are required to hold a valid ESTA travel authorization. There are 41 countries participate in the program. The purpose of the ESTA is to allow DHS to pre-screen all Visa Waiver Travelers before they leave their respective countries. U.S.-bound travelers are recommended to apply for an ESTA travel authorization at least 72 hours before departure.
What is the VWP?
Free ESTA Eligibility Test
Only citizens of the Visa Waiver Countries are allowed to apply for ESTA. It is essential to know if you qualify for ESTA before you submit your application. Use the drop-down menu to select your nationality and click on the *Submit* button.
ESTA electronic system for travel authorization applications can only be made online. You do not have to visit a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in person. Completing the application takes less than 15 minutes on average. Travelers are recommended to print ESTA and bring the approved ESTA when traveling to the United States.
ESTA electronic system for travel authorization
How long does ESTA authorisation take?
Completing the ESTA USA online application form takes between five and ten minutes. The average ESTA approval time is within 72 hours of submitting the form. You will likely receive your travel authorization email during this period. Be sure to submit your ESTA application 3 days before you plan to go on your trip. As all information in the application is compared with existing databases, it is essential to be truthful. Additional questions might be asked if the submitted data is not valid. You may also be asked other questions if the information presented is invalid. In these cases, your ESTA inquiry could be denied.
Where can I apply to ESTA?
You may submit your online applications for ESTA using this website. You can submit your application online, and we will assist you in completing it. You don’t need a hotel or flight booking to submit your application. You must complete the application at least 72 hours before departure.
You will find all the information related to your ESTA USA application, requirements and documents on the designated page. In case of any ESTA related questions you can either refer to our FAQ page or contact our customer support team.
How long is your ESTA valid for?
Once approved, your ESTA is valid for 730 days (2 years). However, you cannot remain in the United States for more than 90 days at a time. You can always check ESTA status, your remaining validity/expiry date on your electronic ESTA document. If you cannot locate your travel permission you can check your email inbox and look for the approval message for your latest ESTA USA application. The approval email will always include information like issuance and expiry dates.
Renewing an ESTA
Renewing an ESTA means applying for the new travel authorization. The government does not allow to extend your current ESTA permission. Visiting US or remaining in the country with an expired ESTA is considered as an illegal migration and a visitor may face deportation. To renew an ESTA you simply need to fill out a new ESTA application in the same way as you did for the first time.
Help with ESTA application
We can help with ESTA application at any time. We have a 24/7 customer support team available in multiple languages. The team is ready to answer any of your questions related to ESTA, application steps, obtaining a valid travel document, dealing with the rejected ESTA, or any other inquiry you may have. You can address our support team if you would like to submit your application through our website, as well.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a United States government program that allows citizens of all 40 Visa Waiver Countries to travel to the United States for business, pleasure, or transit purposes. It does not require obtaining a tourist visa beforehand. You can travel to the US quickly if you have ESTA travel authorization.
The VWP was established to promote tourism, facilitate business travel, and strengthen international relations between the United States and participating countries. It simplifies the travel process for citizens of these countries by eliminating the need to apply for a visa, which can be a lengthy and sometimes complicated process.
Who is eligible to apply for ESTA?
Travel authorizations are required for all travelers who travel to the United States by air or sea under the Visa Waiver Program. DHS will pre-screen Visa Waiver Travelers before they travel out of their countries.
To qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, travelers must meet certain requirements, including:
- Citizenship: They must be a citizen or national of a participating country.
- Passport: They must have a valid electronic passport (e-passport) with a unique chip embedded in it.
- Authorization: They must obtain an approved travel authorization through the ESTA – Electronic System for Travel Authorization before their trip.
- Purpose of Visit: The visit must be for tourism, business, or transit purposes only.
- Time Limit: The stay in the US must be limited to 90 days or less.
What to do when ESTA declined?
You still have the options to visit US with ESTA declined, but there are two main solutions. First, you can request a ESTA application review if you believe that your application was denied without a valid reason. Also, if you believe that you made a mistake during the application process, you can try ESTA update with us. As a second option, you can apply for a tourist visa (type-B) at a consulate or embassy. This option takes more time and could cost more financial resources, as well. But, you will know the reasons behind your ESTA denial and you can take them into considerations next time.
Possible reasons ESTA is denied
Three most popular reasons ESTA is denied are:
- stolen/reported passports
- past overstay in USA
- past USA visa rejection
Thus, entering a passport number that was reported missing or stolen during an ESTA application will result in rejection. The same applies if you have previously overstayed your permitted dates in USA or have been deported from the country. Or, if your US visa application got rejected last time, you could also have your ESTA declined.
ESTA visa duration
Approved ESTA is valid for 2 years. However, you can remain in the United States for no more than 90 days. You can visit the US as many times as you want during the ESTA validity period, but only 90 days at a time. Furthermore, you cannot leave the US and come back the other day on ESTA without a valid reason. It may result in additional questions and interrogations at the border. So make sure there is a reasonable time gap between your departures and arrivals to the United States with ESTA.
Apply online for ESTA
To travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, obtaining an approved ESTA Electronic System for Travel Authorization is essential. It is important to note that the ESTA USA can only be obtained online, and there is no option for paper applications or in-person submissions.
Before you submit an online application, confirming that you are eligible for an ESTA authorization is essential. These are the requirements:
Traveler has a valid passport
A valid passport issued by a country member of the VWP is essential. We will attach your passport details to your application, and once you have received ESTA authorization, it will be valid until your Visa Waiver expires or your passport becomes invalid. You cannot transfer your ESTA authorization from one passport to the next. You must apply for ESTA once more with your new passport if your passport is about to expire.
The US has not charged the traveler with any criminal offenses
The traveler plans to visit the US for less than 90 days
- Business
- Commerce
- Travel
- Pleasure
- Vacation
- Transit
- Short study programs
ESTA cannot be used to search for a job in the USA. Studying in the USA under the Visa Waiver program is also not possible. Your application to enter the USA with the ESTA for extended stays of more than 90 days will be rejected, and you will not be able to apply for ESTA again.
The United States has an agreement in place with certain countries, and the ESTA application is only available to citizens of VWP member states. They can travel to the United States as tourists. You cannot apply if you are not a citizen from a country included in the agreement.
ESTA visa cost is paid
ESTA is still cheaper than any other actual visa application fee that you pay when visiting embassies and consulates. However, this electronic system comes with its own administrative fees and costs. How much does the ESTA visa cost depends on where you fill in the application form. The fee is divided in two parts on government’s side: administrative cost and the processing fee. The mediator websites take their service charge in addition to the ESTA fee.
ESTA electronic system for travel authorization requirements
To avoid any unexpected situations on your arrival in the USA, you must familiarize yourself with the regulations before traveling to the US.First, you cannot bring an empty or low-powered battery on certain flights. You may have your mobile phone charged at any time. If you violate this rule, you may not be allowed to board the aircraft. You will need to complete Customs Form 6059B during the flight. This form is used to track any particular items brought into the country. The I-94 form is created when you pass through Border Control, and this form is not available on paper for travelers who arrive by air. It can be downloaded electronically.
The US Customs and Border Protection will review your documents, and a CBP officer will also perform the US-VISIT procedure. This involves taking your fingerprint and a photograph and verifying your identity using your biometric data. The US authorities are authorized to see details about your travel plans. You are advised to bring with you a copy of any travel documents. You may also need to provide documents proving your financial resources. After completing these steps, you will be processed by Customs.A valid passport must be carried with you on your entire trip, even on the day of departure. Some countries have exceptions to the rule. More information can be found on the CBP website. A visa is required if the traveler doesn’t have an ESTA travel authorization. Keep in mind that routine baggage and luggage checks are possible even if there is nothing to declare. Check the complete list at www.cbp.gov to ensure you don’t have anything to declare. You may be required to show your driver’s license, documentation, and proof of liability insurance if you are traveling by land from Canada or Mexico.
