Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
ESTA is the acronym for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization: an online program administered by Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security to prescreen travelers planning travel of 90 days or less to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program to ensure they do not pose a security or law enforcement risk. ESTA was implemented on August 1, 2008, to boost the security of the VWP, and has been mandatory for all Visa Waiver Program travelers since January 12, 2009.
To complete an ESTA application, you will need your passport information; any other names you use; your visa admissions history for the United States; your parents’ names; your city of birth; any national identification number you may have; your contact information; your history of communicable disease, if any; your criminal history, if any; and a credit card number.
An ESTA authorization qualifies you for travel under the Visa Waiver Program, but it does not necessarily mean you will be admitted to the United States. Admission to the United States is based on an inspection by a Customs and Border Protection officer once you disembark in the United States and is at their discretion.
You are eligible to apply for ESTA if you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country planning to enter the United States by air or sea on an approved carrier.
The Visa Waiver Program countries are Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
Each traveler must have a valid passport and a round-trip ticket, with their trip ending outside the United States. Each traveler must apply, including minor children under 18, and meet all eligibility conditions of the Visa Waiver Program.
…am I also a lawful permanent resident of the United States?
No
…am I also a dual citizen with US citizenship?
No – citizens must use their American passport when entering the United States.
…am also a landed immigrant of Canada and traveling to the United States by land.
No
…am also a landed immigrant of Canada and traveling to the United States by sea or air.
Yes
…am I also a lawful permanent resident of the United States?
If you are flying under your VWP passport and using the VWP, yes. If you travel under your non-VWP passport and a visa, you are not eligible for the ESTA.
…have a valid visa at the time of travel?
No
…am I traveling to the United States by land via Canada or Mexico under a green I-94 card?
No
…am I traveling to the United States by sea or air via Canada or Mexico?
Yes
…am I transiting through the United States only and not staying there?
Yes
…am I a minor under the age of 18 traveling under the VWP?
Yes
…am I traveling for a short-term stay to the U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico?
Yes
It is recommended to make your application as soon as you decide to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, but one can apply up to 72 hours before travel. There is no need to wait until your itinerary is confirmed: You do not need concrete travel information or accommodations to apply.
There is no penalty if you apply early, and your ESTA expires while you are still in the United States: You can still depart for your country of origin as planned.
It is easy to group your applications: After submitting your application, select the option to submit a new application on the thank-you page and fill out the new application for the next applicant.
Only specific errors in ESTA applications can be corrected: your email address, phone number, and travel information. In the case of a mistake in passport-related details, you must cancel and reapply, so it is best to be precise when filling out the application form.
An ESTA authorization is valid until your passport expires or two years from when you are approved to travel, whichever date is earlier.
You can still travel to the United States under a visa program if your application is denied. Apply through your closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for details.
No, all current ESTA authorizations are still valid. You will only be required to supply the additional information if you reapply when that current authorization expires.
In most cases, ESTA results are available almost instantly, and you will receive our email informing you of the status within 24 hours. However, it can take 72 hours to receive a status determination and email it to your inbox.
Just send an application through our Verify/Check ESTA Status page, and your ESTA number will be sent to the email address associated with your application.
ESTA permits third-party applications, but the person traveling is ultimately responsible for the truthfulness and completeness of any information provided on the ESTA application.
Please print out the PDF with your ESTA number on the day of travel and carry it with your other travel documents. While United States border officials can access your ESTA approval electronically, your airline or carrier may require the printout at check-in.
- Change your name for any reason;
- Receive a new passport;
- Change your gender;
- Change your country of citizenship;
- Experience a change in your situation as it applies to your ESTA authorization, whether that is legal or medical.