ESTA Application Online
What information is needed to complete the ESTA online application?
You should have the following information on hand when filling out your ESTA online application:
- Your name and date of birth;
- Your passport information (number, country of issue, expiry date);
- Credit card information.
How do I apply for an ESTA to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver program?
Fill Out Your ESTA Application
Visit the official ESTA website or a third-party company website, and fill out the application with the required information listed above, your current travel arrangements, your credit card information, and all other questions. An application must be submitted for every member of your travel party who does not have a visa, including minors.
Submit Your ESTA Application
The ESTA site allows you to review your information by navigating between steps before submitting your application. Double-check all information for accuracy.
Pay the ESTA Application Fee
Pay on our website if you want to use our review and processing services. You are free to use the official government website if you do not need help with your application.
Receive Your Travel Authorization by Email
If your application is approved, you should receive your travel authorization by email (in PDF format) within a few minutes of submission. Although in some cases, more time is required to process an application, you can expect your travel authorization within 72 hours.You will receive one of three application statuses:
Authorization Approved
The system will provide a printable confirmation of your approval and a receipt for your credit card records. You are authorized to travel under the Visa Waiver program. But remember, an ESTA authorization does not guarantee admission to the United States; a Customs and Border Protection officer will inspect you upon arrival, and they will determine your eligibility to enter the United States according to the country’s laws and regulations.
Travel Not Authorized
The system will provide a printable confirmation of your approval and a receipt for your credit card records. You are authorized to travel under the Visa Waiver program. But remember, an ESTA authorization does not guarantee admission to the United States; a Customs and Border Protection officer will inspect you upon arrival, and they will determine your eligibility to enter the United States according to the country’s laws and regulations.
Authorization Pending
If your status is listed as ‘Pending,’ an immediate determination cannot be made by the system, and your travel authorization is under further review. You will receive the necessary information to check your application status after 72 hours, when your application may be authorized or denied. ‘Pending’ does not necessarily mean ‘no.’
Does a traveler ever need to reapply for a travel authorization through ESTA?
You might need to reapply for an ESTA authorization in multiple situations. You should submit a new application if:
- Your passport expires, and you receive a new passport;
- You change your legal name for any reason;
- You change your legal name for any reason;
- Your country of citizenship changes;
- Your life circumstances change in a way that would make any of your previous 'yes' or 'no' responses to ESTA questions no longer applicable;
- Your previous ESTA authorization expires, either because your passport has expired or because two years have elapsed since your permission was granted.
New applications will be charged the same flat fee as the initial application.
Do travelers need to bring a paper printout of their travel authorization to the airport?
You are not required to have a paper printout of your ESTA status on hand—the DHS will have an electronic record of your authorization. However, it’s recommended to have your printout available to advise your carrier of your ESTA authorization and your authorization number for your records.
How can a traveler apply for ESTA without access to the Internet?
As ESTA is an online-only program, travelers without Internet access can engage a third party (a service agent, travel agent, relative, or friend) to submit their ESTA application on their behalf. The traveler is still legally responsible for any answer submitted on their application.
When do I need to apply for ESTA?
You can apply for ESTA authorization as soon as you decide to travel to the United States; you can do so even if your travel plans are not finalized. However, the Department of Homeland Security advises that you submit your application at least 72 hours before traveling to ensure that your authorization is ready on the travel date.
How far in advance should I apply for an ESTA travel authorization?
You can apply for your ESTA authorization any time before your trip, but DHS recommends using it no later than 72 hours before departure. In most cases, the ESTA system will confirm or decline your authorization within a minute of receiving your application. Keep in mind that system delays occasionally happen, so it is recommended that you give yourself extra time when submitting your application. Your travel plans do not need to be final before you apply. You can submit an ESTA application without knowing your itinerary or the exact address you will be staying; you can update that information on your ESTA authorization later.
Can travelers to the US apply for ESTA without specific travel plans?
Yes, you can. If you are traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver program but do not yet know the address where you will be staying, enter the hotel name or the approximate location of your destination in the United States. You can (but are not required) to update that information in the ESTA system when your authorization comes through.
Do nationals or citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program require travel authorization when in transit through the United States en route to another country?
If you are a national of a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program and transiting through the United States, you will need to either have a visa or an ESTA authorization. If you are only traveling through the United States and not staying, enter ‘In Transit’ and your ultimate destination in your ESTA application’s ‘Address While in the United States field.