Eligible Travelers Can Apply for ESTA
If you’re planning to travel to the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes and are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) eligible country, obtaining an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a crucial step. The ESTA approval allows you to enter the U.S. without the need for a traditional visa, making your travel process smoother and more convenient. To help you navigate the ESTA application process successfully, we’ve created an eligibility test that will help you determine if you are eligible for an ESTA. Check if you are eligible by completing the eligibility form above.
ESTA online application and the Visa Waiver Program
Step 1: Review the Eligibility Requirements. Before starting your application, use the eligibility form above to ensure you are a citizen of a VWP country and meet other necessary criteria.
Step 2: Fill out the Application Form. Providing accurate information about your passport details, travel itinerary, and intended address in the United States. Ensure all the information matches your passport exactly.
Step 3: Answer Eligibility Questions. The application will present you with a series of eligibility questions related to health, criminal history, and other factors. Answer all the questions truthfully and accurately.
Step 4: Double-Check the Application. Before submitting the application, carefully review all the entered information. Even minor errors could lead to delays or denials.
Step 5: Pay the Processing Fee. After reviewing the application, proceed to pay the required processing fee. Have a valid card ready for the transaction.
Step 6: Wait for ESTA Approval. The typical processing time for ESTA applications is within 72 hours. However, it’s best to apply well in advance of your travel date to account for any delays or complications.
Step 7: Receive the ESTA Authorization. If your application is approved, you’ll receive your ESTA authorization via email. Keep a printed copy with your travel documents for your trip to the United States.
Step 11: Renewing or Updating ESTA. Remember that ESTA authorization is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can renew or update your ESTA if needed during this period.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) member countries
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brunei
Chile
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
South Korea
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom
Useful information for Visiting the United States
- Start Planning Early: The USA is a popular tourist destination, so it’s important to book your flights and accommodations well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
- Get an ESTA: If you’re from a participating country, you’ll need to get an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before you travel to the USA. You can apply for an ESTA online.
- Do your research: There are so many things to see and do in the USA, so it’s important to do your research and decide what you want to prioritize.
- Be aware of the time difference: The USA is a large country, so the time difference can vary depending on where you’re visiting.
- Pack for all types of weather: The weather in the USA can vary greatly depending on the time of year and the region you’re visiting. For example, it can be hot and humid in the summer in Florida, but cold and snowy in the winter in Minnesota.
- Be prepared for long security lines: Security lines at airports in the USA can be long, so it’s a good idea to arrive early.
- Give a tip: Tipping is customary in the USA, so it’s important to be prepared to tip your servers, cab drivers, and other service providers.
- Be respectful of local customs: The USA is a melting pot of cultures, so it’s important to be respectful of local customs.
