The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system used by the US government to screen travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). ESTA authorization is a mandatory requirement for individuals traveling to the US without a visa.
ESTA is not a visa, nor does it give permission to enter the US. With ESTA authorization, you are permitted to travel to the US, but Customs and Border Protection officers exercise discretion as to an individual’s admissibility on arrival into the country.
Non-US nationals traveling to the US for no more than 90 must have ESTA approval (unless a visa is required), even if only ‘passing through’ (in transit). This also applies to minors. If you have a valid visa to travel to the US, you will not need to apply for ESTA. The initial security checks will have been carried out as part of your visa application.
The Visa Waiver Program is an agreement between the United States and select countries that allows their citizens to visit the US for up to 90 days without obtaining a traditional visa. Currently, there are around 40 participating countries, mostly in Europe and Asia, such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and Australia. Travelers from these countries can enter the US more easily, provided they secure an ESTA authorization before departure.
All travelers require ESTA authorization to travel under the VWP, including all children of all ages. They must also meet all VWP requirements and have their own e-passport. It is not possible for a child to travel on their parent’s passport under the VWP.
ESTA is not, in fact, a visa. It is the pre-screening system that allows travelers to avoid the lengthy visa application process while ensuring they meet the necessary security and eligibility requirements before boarding a flight or ship bound for the US.
While a traditional US visa involves a lengthy application process, including interviews at an embassy or consulate, the ESTA is a much simpler, fully online process that typically takes just a few minutes to complete. The main differences are:
With an approved ESTA, travelers can stay in the United States for up to 90 days per visit. This period cannot be extended or converted to a different visa type while in the country. The ESTA itself is valid for two years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means you can visit the US multiple times within this two-year period, provided each trip is less than 90 days and meets the criteria of the Visa Waiver Program.
When planning a trip to the United States, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to apply for an ESTA or a traditional visa. Both options allow entry into the US, but they differ significantly in terms of eligibility, application process, permitted stay, and purpose of travel.
Not all travelers to the US are eligible for the VWP. So, while ESTA simplifies the entry process, not everyone qualifies. The ESTA application is designed to determine eligibility for visa-free travel by assessing the applicants against the ESTA criteria.
The ESTA is specifically designed for citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you hold a passport from one of the approximately 40 eligible countries, you can apply for an ESTA for short-term visits to the US for tourism, business, or transit. In contrast, travelers from non-VWP countries or those who do not meet ESTA requirements must apply for a traditional visa, such as the B1 (business) or B2 (tourist) visa.
The ESTA application process is quick, fully digital, and straightforward. It typically takes about 20 minutes to complete online, and most applicants receive approval within minutes, though it can take up to 72 hours in rare cases. There is no requirement for an in-person interview or physical documentation submission.
On the other hand, applying for a visa involves a more complex and time-consuming process. Applicants must complete the DS-160 form, schedule an appointment at a US embassy or consulate, attend an in-person interview, and provide supporting documents, such as financial proof, travel itineraries, and employment details. Visa processing times vary and can take weeks or even months, depending on the embassy’s workload and the type of visa.
An ESTA allows visitors to stay in the US for up to 90 days per visit. The authorization itself is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and you can use it for multiple entries during this period.
In contrast, visas such as the B1/B2 visa often allow for longer stays, typically up to six months per visit. Additionally, visas have longer validity periods, often ranging from five to ten years, depending on your nationality and the type of visa.
The ESTA is ideal for short trips for tourism, business meetings or transit. However, it does not permit activities such as employment, studying, or staying for extended periods. If your trip involves attending a university, working in the US, or relocating, you will need to apply for a visa tailored to that purpose, such as an F-1 student visa or an H-1B work visa.
The ESTA application fee is a flat $21, making it the most affordable option for eligible travelers. Traditional visas, on the other hand, have significantly higher application fees, typically starting at $160 USD for non-immigrant visas like the B1/B2.
Travelers must obtain ESTA approval before boarding a flight or ship to the US. It’s important to apply well in advance since processing can take up to 72 hours. If your ESTA application is denied, you will need to apply for a traditional visa.
You are a national of a participating VWP country (such as the UK). If you are not a VWP national, you are not eligible for visa-free travel under the VWP, and you will not be required to apply for ESTA approval.
ESTA ApplicationUnder the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, the VWP cannot be used by Visa Waiver country nationals who have been present in Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1 2011, although some exceptions can be made for diplomatic or military-related travel in the service of a Visa Waiver Country. Visa Waiver country nationals who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria cannot enter the USA under the VWP.
You cannot use ESTA to study, work or live in the US. To stay in the US for longer than 90 days or to travel to the US for a reason that is not permissible under the visa-waiver rules, you would need to apply for an appropriate visa. Your visit to the USA must last no longer than 90 days, and it must be for the purposes of tourism, medical treatment or business only.
If your intention is to travel to the USA for a non-permissible activity, such as to take up employment or commence studies, you are not eligible for VWP entry and must obtain a relevant visa. Similarly, travel to the USA to work as a member of the foreign press is not covered by the VWP.
Do you have a communicable disease? In the USA, commonly acknowledged communicable diseases include chancroid, gonorrhoea, granuloma inguinale, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, leprosy, lymphogranuloma venereum, syphilis, and tuberculosis. If you have been cured or are no longer in the infectious stage, you may answer the question ‘no’, but you are required to provide medical proof that you are not contagious. With lesser common illnesses such as a cold, you can answer ‘no’ to this question.
Do you have a physical or mental disorder? Answer ‘yes’ if you currently have a physical or mental disorder and a related history of behaviour that could cause harm to your property, your safety, or the safety and welfare of others. You should also answer ‘yes’ if you had such a disorder and history, and the likelihood is that the behaviour will recur and cause harm.
You will be asked if you are seeking to work in the USA or have previously worked in the USA without permission from the US government. The Visa Waiver Program is designed for non-immigrant foreign nationals who cannot seek permanent employment in the USA. Those who wish to work and live permanently in the USA must apply for the relevant immigrant visa.
Finally, you will be asked whether you have traveled to or been present in Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia or Yemen on or after March 1 201These countries are seen to carry a security risk by the US authorities. You will also be asked if you have traveled to or stayed in Cuba since January 12, 202You must also declare if you hold dual citizenship with any of these aforementioned countries.
It perhaps goes without saying that full disclosure is required when answering the questions, including in relation to criminal convictions. Be completely open and honest when completing your application to avoid any future allegations of misrepresentation or fraud. You are committing a criminal offense under US law if you fail to answer truthfully and comprehensively, which will impact your future US immigration applications.
ESTA is not required if you already hold a valid B1/B2 visa or another type of US visa suitable for the purpose of your visit or if you are entering the US via land from Canada or Mexico (though an ESTA is recommended for ease).
ESTA applications are made on the official ESTA website or via the ESTA app and, unlike most US visas, do not require an appointment at your local US Embassy or Consulate. You can apply individually or on a group basis.
Travel Information: the city where you will be boarding to travel to the USA, information on your carrier (air or shipping company), flight number or the name of the vessel you will be travelling on, your address while in the USA (if there will be multiple locations you should use the first location if you don’t know the complete address you should enter the name of the hotel or location and update later, and if you will be travelling straight through the USA and not staying then use the words ‘In Transit’ with details of your final destination). It isn’t mandatory to include your entire itinerary and all of your destination addresses, but it is recommended to do so.
Before submitting, it’s essential to review all the information you’ve entered. Double-checking your details can save you from common mistakes that may lead to delays or denials. Pay special attention to your passport number and expiration date, name spelling (as it appears on your passport and email address to receive your ESTA confirmation.
After payment, your ESTA application is processed. In most cases, you’ll receive a response almost immediately. However, it can take up to 72 hours in some instances. You can check your application status on the same website using your application ID.
Application Not Found – This status indicates that either incorrect information has been input, which does not match with ESTA records, or no such current or previous ESTA exists. It could also be due to payment of the application fee not being made or technical issues, such as internet connection problems, preventing the application from being processed.
There is no requirement on travelers to carry a printed copy of their ESTA authorization since ESTA is an online system accessible by border authorities. However, we advise travelers to carry a hard copy in case of any issues at the border.
ESTA approval remains valid for multiple visits to the US. It is recommended (albeit not mandatory) that you update the information about your US travel and accommodation arrangements for each trip to avoid delays on arrival. This should help to avoid delays at border control due to additional questions or information requests.