Visa Waiver (ESTA)
What is the electronic system for travel authorization (ESTA)?
To enhance the security of traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, the requirements for visa-free travel have been strengthened. Citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program can still travel without a visa but must obtain an approved travel authorization before traveling to the United States.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system used to determine if visitors are eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program and if such travel poses a law enforcement or security risk.
To apply for ESTA, you or a third party must complete an automated form on a secure public website provided by the Department of Homeland Security and United States Customs and Border Protection. This form requires biographic, travel, and payment information. The system processes your application and decides if you are eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program without a visa. If approved, you will receive an automated response, and a carrier will verify electronically with the United States Customs and Border Protection that you have an approved travel authorization on file before boarding.
ESTA authorization allows travelers to board a carrier for travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Private carriers must be part of the Visa Waiver Program.
ESTA is not a substitute for a visa and does not fulfill legal requirements for a U.S. visa. Those with a valid U.S. visa can travel on it for its intended purpose and do not need an ESTA. Similarly, an approved ESTA does not guarantee admission into the United States, just as a valid visa does not.
Requirements
The requirements for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are as follows:
Eligible Countries: Travelers must be citizens or nationals of one of the countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program.
Passport Requirements: Travelers must have an e-passport that is machine-readable and has a digital chip containing biometric information. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in the United States (some countries have exemptions).
Purpose of Visit: The visit should be for 90 days or less, and can be for tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes.
No Recent Visa Denials: Applicants must not have been denied a visa to the United States previously, or if they have, they must have obtained a visa after the denial.
No Significant Violations or Overstays: Applicants should not have violated the terms of any previous admissions to the U.S., including overstaying a visa or VWP admission (unless a waiver has been granted).
Approved ESTA Authorization: Travelers must obtain an approved travel authorization via the ESTA system before embarking on their travel to the U.S. This involves completing an online application that assesses their eligibility.
Return or Onward Ticket: Travelers must have a return or onward ticket if arriving by air or sea. Private carriers must be a signatory carrier of the Visa Waiver Program.
No Threat to U.S. Security: Applicants must not pose a security or law enforcement risk to the U.S.
Not Eligible for a Visa: Travelers must be ineligible for a U.S. visa or must seek to enter the U.S. for a short period.
Compliance with the ESTA Fee: Payment of the ESTA fee is required as part of the application process.
Compliance with U.S. Laws: Upon arrival, travelers must comply with all requirements of the United States, including but not limited to customs and immigration laws and regulations.
It’s important to note that having an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States. Admission is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers upon arrival. Additionally, the ESTA is typically valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows for multiple entries into the U.S. during its validity period.
When should I submit an application through ESTA?
You should submit an application through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) as early as possible, but at least 72 hours before your intended travel to the United States. It’s advisable to apply for ESTA at the time you start planning your trip or before purchasing airline tickets. This ensures that you have enough time to receive the authorization and address any potential issues that might arise during the application process.
In some cases, ESTA applications can be approved quickly, within minutes, but there could be instances where more time is needed for processing. If your application is not approved immediately, it may take up to 72 hours for a decision. Therefore, applying well in advance of your travel date is a good practice to avoid any last-minute inconveniences or travel disruptions.
Remember, an approved ESTA is required before you can board a plane or ship to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Without an approved ESTA, you may not be allowed to board your transport to the U.S.
Required documents
To apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program, the required documents and information are relatively straightforward. You will need:
A Valid Passport from a Visa Waiver Program Country: Your passport must be an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information. It should be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (some countries are exempt from this six-month requirement).
Valid Contact Information: This includes your email address to receive notifications regarding your ESTA application.
Emergency Contact Information: Contact details of someone who can be contacted in case of an emergency.
Employment Information (if applicable): Details about your current or recent employment status and employer.
Additionally, while completing the ESTA application, you will be required to answer several security questions. These questions pertain to your eligibility to travel under the Visa Waiver Program and include inquiries about any past criminal history, immigration issues, or other security-related matters.
Payment information is also necessary, as there is a fee associated with the ESTA application. This fee can be paid with a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment methods.
You do not need to submit any physical documents as the application process for ESTA is entirely electronic. However, it’s crucial to have your passport and other necessary information at hand when filling out the application online.
Fee
As of my last update in April 2023, the cost for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application consists of two parts:
Processing Charge: A fee of $4.00 is charged to all applicants for the processing of the ESTA application.
Authorization Charge: If your application is approved and you receive authorization to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, an additional charge of $17.00 is added.
Therefore, the total cost for an approved ESTA application is $21.00. If your application is not approved, you are only charged the $4.00 processing fee.
Payments must be made by credit card, debit card, or other accepted electronic payment methods during the online application process. It’s important to note that these fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application.
How to get step by step
Check Your Passport Validity:
Ensure your passport is an e-Passport from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country and is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the United States.
Gather Necessary Information:
Prepare the required information, including your passport details, contact information, and travel details. You may also need to answer questions about your employment and travel history.
Visit the Official ESTA Website:
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
Complete the Application:
Fill out the application form accurately. This includes personal details, passport information, and answers to eligibility questions regarding criminal history, past travel, and health.
Review and Confirm Your Information:
Double-check all the information for accuracy. Errors can lead to delays or denial of your ESTA.
Pay the Application Fee:
Pay the required fee using a credit card or other accepted payment methods. As of 2023, the fee is $21.
Submit Your Application:
Once submitted, most applications are processed within minutes, but it’s recommended to apply at least 72 hours before travel.
Check Your ESTA Status:
You can check the status of your application online. You will receive one of three responses: Authorization Approved, Travel Not Authorized, or Authorization Pending.
Keep a Record:
While it’s not mandatory to print your ESTA approval, it’s a good practice to have a copy for your records.
Update Information if Necessary:
If your passport details or other relevant information change, you need to apply for a new ESTA.
Important Tips:
Validity: ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Multiple Entries: Allows multiple short visits, usually up to 90 days per visit.
No Guarantee of Entry: An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the U.S.; final determination is made by Customs and Border Protection officers.
To keep in mind
ESTA became mandatory on January 12, 2009. Visa Waiver Program applicants must complete a blue Customs declaration upon arrival in the U.S., regardless of whether they have an ESTA. They no longer need to complete the green I-94W card.
An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner, and allows multiple trips to the United States without reapplying. With an approved ESTA, stays in the U.S. are limited to 90 days, and there should be a reasonable amount of time between visits. If your passport expires in less than two years, your ESTA will be valid until the passport’s expiration date.
A new ESTA is required if you get a new passport, change your name or gender, change your nationality, or if your circumstances change significantly, like being convicted of a crime or contracting a contagious disease. These changes may require a visa to travel to the U.S. You should reapply for ESTA if there are significant changes in your circumstances, or you may be denied entry upon arrival in the United States.
It is recommended to apply for ESTA as soon as you plan to travel under the Visa Waiver Program. An ESTA expiring while in the U.S. does not affect your departure.
