ESTA is not required if you already hold a valid B1/B2 visa or another type of US visa suitable for the purpose of your visit or if you are entering the US via land from Canada or Mexico (though an ESTA is recommended for ease).
ESTA applications are made on the official ESTA website or via the ESTA app and, unlike most US visas, do not require an appointment at your local US Embassy or Consulate. You can apply individually or on a group basis.
Travel Information: the city where you will be boarding to travel to the USA, information on your carrier (air or shipping company), flight number or the name of the vessel you will be travelling on, your address while in the USA (if there will be multiple locations you should use the first location if you don’t know the complete address you should enter the name of the hotel or location and update later, and if you will be travelling straight through the USA and not staying then use the words ‘In Transit’ with details of your final destination). It isn’t mandatory to include your entire itinerary and all of your destination addresses, but it is recommended to do so.
Before submitting, it’s essential to review all the information you’ve entered. Double-checking your details can save you from common mistakes that may lead to delays or denials. Pay special attention to your passport number and expiration date, name spelling (as it appears on your passport and email address to receive your ESTA confirmation.
After payment, your ESTA application is processed. In most cases, you’ll receive a response almost immediately. However, it can take up to 72 hours in some instances. You can check your application status on the same website using your application ID.
Application Not Found – This status indicates that either incorrect information has been input, which does not match with ESTA records, or no such current or previous ESTA exists. It could also be due to payment of the application fee not being made or technical issues, such as internet connection problems, preventing the application from being processed.
There is no requirement on travelers to carry a printed copy of their ESTA authorization since ESTA is an online system accessible by border authorities. However, we advise travelers to carry a hard copy in case of any issues at the border.
ESTA approval remains valid for multiple visits to the US. It is recommended (albeit not mandatory) that you update the information about your US travel and accommodation arrangements for each trip to avoid delays on arrival. This should help to avoid delays at border control due to additional questions or information requests.
If you plan to visit Canada, Mexico or any of the nearby islands during your stay in the USA, your ESTA will usually be accepted for you to travel back into the USA as long as it is within your 90-day VWP limit.
Your ESTA has to be valid when you enter the US although it should not be a problem if it expires while you are in the US. You would, however, need to reapply for authorization before your next trip to the US under the VWP.
ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this time, there may be circumstances that require you to update certain information on your ESTA. While not all details can be changed after approval, some updates are essential to ensure your travel authorization remains valid and accurate.
If your travel itinerary changes, including your US contact address or destination, you need to update this information on your ESTA. For example, if you originally planned to stay in New York but decide to visit Los Angeles instead, update the address to reflect your new accommodation.
Criminal History or Eligibility Changes: If you experience changes to your health, legal status, or answers to the security questions, you must reapply. For example, anyone who has traveled to Cuba since January 2021 is no longer ESTA-eligible and will instead need to apply for a visa.
It may be that you also make an application for a waiver of inadmissibility. This can be a complex area, requiring full disclosure to USCIS. We have specialist expertise in securing waivers for travelers to the US; contact us for expert advice.
Apply for a Traditional Visa (B1/B2): If your ESTA is repeatedly denied, you may still be eligible for a B1 (business) or B2 (tourist) visa. This involves a more thorough application process, including an interview at a US embassy or consulate. The B1/B2 visa allows for longer stays (typically up to 6 months) and may be a good alternative if ESTA is not an option.
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a travel authorization program developed by the United States for citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries. It allows eligible travelers to visit the US for tourism, business, or transit purposes without needing a traditional visa. The process is entirely digital, requiring applicants to fill out a form and pay a small fee, making it a fast and convenient option for short trips.
While ESTA is widely regarded as a user-friendly solution for travel authorization, several risks and considerations should be kept in mind. Errors in the application, such as incorrect passport details or name discrepancies, can lead to rejections. Applicants with prior visa denials, criminal records or recent travel to restricted countries may find their applications denied and may need to apply for a visa and waiver instead.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Citizens of VWP-participating countries need to obtain an approved ESTA before boarding a US-bound flight or vessel.
To apply for an ESTA, you need to complete the online application form available on the official US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. The form requires personal information, travel details, and responses to eligibility questions. Once you submit your application, you will be required to pay a fee using a credit or debit card.
ESTA ApplicationESTA applications are typically processed quickly, often within minutes. However, it is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your departure to allow for any unforeseen delays or issues. You will receive an email notification once your application has been processed, and you can check the status of your application on the CBP website.
An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can travel to the US multiple times without needing to reapply, provided that each stay does not exceed 90 days and the purpose of your travel complies with the terms of the Visa Waiver Program.
You can update certain information on your ESTA application after it has been approved. This includes your email address and US destination address. However, you cannot update personal information such as your name, passport number, or country of citizenship. If there are changes to these details, you will need to submit a new ESTA application.
If your ESTA application is denied, you should review the denial notice to understand the reason for the denial. Common reasons include incorrect or incomplete information, or not meeting the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program. If you believe the denial was due to an error, you can reapply with the correct details. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a regular US visa at a US Embassy or Consulate. Contact our experts if you require specialist advice.
While travelers are not required to print their ESTA approval, it is recommended to keep a copy for your records. The approval is electronically linked to your passport, so airline staff and US Customs and Border Protection officers can verify it when you travel. Having a printed copy can be useful in case of any technical issues or discrepancies.
The ESTA application requires personal information such as your name, date of birth, and passport details. You will also need to provide travel information, including your US destination address and emergency contact information. Additionally, you must answer eligibility questions regarding health, criminal history, and past immigration violations.
Yes, children, regardless of age, must have their own ESTA to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. Parents or guardians can complete the application on behalf of their children. Each child must have their own passport to be eligible for an ESTA.
You can rely on ESTA to travel to the US visa-free, provided your intended business activity qualifies under the VWP, for example, attending exhibitions, conferences, meetings, consultations and job fairs or negotiating contracts. You cannot carry out gainful employment during your stay. You will also not be able to stay in the USA for more than 90 days without a visa.
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Planning a trip to the United States for tourism, business, or transit? If you're a citizen of one of the countries included in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you may not need a traditional visa. Instead, you can apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to facilitate your journey. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the ESTA application process and provide valuable information for a smooth experience.
If your ESTA application is approved, you'll receive an authorization confirmation that's valid for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use this approved ESTA for multiple trips to the USA within that period, as long as each stay doesn't exceed 90 days.
With your ESTA visa in hand, you'll be ready to explore the wonders of the United States hassle-free. Just remember that ESTA is designed for short visits under the Visa Waiver Program. If your plans involve longer stays, work, study, or other purposes not covered by ESTA, you'll need to apply for the appropriate visa. Safe travels!
Traveling to the United States can be an exciting adventure, but it requires proper planning and understanding of entry requirements, particularly regarding the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). In this comprehensive guide, we unravel the essential facts about ESTA, ensuring your trip to the U.S. starts smoothly.
ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization, a mandatory pre-travel authorization for travelers to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Unlike a visa, ESTA allows citizens from eligible countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.
To apply for ESTA, you must be a citizen of one of the countries part of the VWP. ESTA is designed for short-term visits, so you must have a return or onward ticket. Previous violations of U.S. immigration policy may affect eligibility.
Once submitted, ESTA applications are usually processed quickly, often within 72 hours. If approved, ESTA is valid for two years or until the applicant's passport expires, whichever comes first. ESTA allows multiple entries into the U.S. during its validity.