ESTA FAQs
HomepageESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
All travelers from countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program need to obtain an ESTA authorization before traveling to the United States by air or sea.
An ESTA is typically valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you may enter the United States multiple times.
You need to provide personal information such as your name, birth date, and passport details, as well as answer questions regarding your eligibility to travel under the VWP.
There is a fee for ESTA applications which includes a processing fee for all applications and an authorization charge for applications that are approved. The fees are subject to change.
In most cases, an ESTA application is processed instantly, and you should receive a response within minutes. However, it's recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your travel date.
If your ESTA application is denied, you may still be able to travel to the United States, but you'll need to apply for a visa through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
No, you cannot extend an ESTA. It is valid for up to two years and allows for stays of up to 90 days per visit. If you wish to stay longer, you must leave the U.S. and re-enter, or seek a different visa type that allows for a longer stay.
No, an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States. It only authorizes you to board a carrier bound for the U.S. Final admission eligibility is determined at the port of entry by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
Yes, certain information on your ESTA application can be updated after submission, such as your email address and your address in the U.S. However, details like your name, birth date, and passport information cannot be changed, and you would need to apply for a new ESTA if these details change.
While it is not mandatory to print out your ESTA approval, it is recommended. Having a physical copy can help confirm your ESTA status if any issues arise during your travel.
If your passport expires before your ESTA, your ESTA also becomes invalid, because the ESTA is electronically linked to your passport. You will need to apply for a new ESTA with your new passport.
Yes, dual nationals can apply for an ESTA. However, you must use the passport of the Visa Waiver Program country when you apply for the ESTA and when you travel to the U.S.
You can check the status of your ESTA application by visiting the official ESTA website and entering your application number, passport number, and date of birth.
If your ESTA application status is 'pending,' it means that your application is under review. You should check back in 72 hours for a final response. In most cases, applications are processed quickly, but some may require additional review.
Yes, children, regardless of age, require an ESTA or a visa to travel to the United States if they are nationals of a Visa Waiver Program country.
Yes, an approved ESTA allows for multiple entries into the United States within its validity period of two years, or until the passport expires, as long as each stay does not exceed 90 days.
If you make a mistake on your ESTA application, you may need to submit a new application with the correct information. Minor errors can be corrected by updating your application, but significant errors (like those in biographic data or passport details) require a new application.
Yes, travelers transiting through the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must have an approved ESTA, even if they do not intend to leave the transit area of the airport.
No, changes in your employment status do not require you to reapply for an ESTA. The ESTA application does ask for your current employer's information, but this is not linked to the validity of your ESTA authorization.
If your ESTA application status shows 'Authorization Pending,' it means that your request is under review for further determination. This status usually updates to 'Authorization Approved' or 'Travel Not Authorized' within 72 hours.
Yes, you can complete an ESTA application on behalf of another person, such as a family member or a friend. You will need to have all their required information, including passport details and travel plans.
It is recommended to apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before your departure. However, since approvals can be granted quickly, you can apply closer to your departure date if necessary. It's best to apply as early as possible.
No, an approved ESTA allows you to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, which permits stays of up to 90 days. The two-year validity of the ESTA refers to the period within which you can enter the U.S., not the length of permitted stay.
You cannot 'renew' an ESTA per se, but you can reapply for a new ESTA once your current one expires. The application process is the same as your initial application.
If you are applying for a U.S. visa, you do not need to apply for an ESTA. The visa application process is separate and allows for a different set of travel privileges and lengths of stay.
You do not need to present a physical copy of your ESTA approval; the authorization is electronically linked to your passport. However, having a printed or digital copy for your records is recommended.
Yes, an ESTA authorization can be revoked at any time if the U.S. government determines that you no longer meet the requirements for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program.
Minor changes to your travel itinerary, such as flight changes or hotel bookings, do not require updates to your ESTA. However, if major details like your destination within the U.S. or your departure city change, you should update your ESTA application accordingly.