The ESTA application process is quick, fully digital, and straightforward. It typically takes about 20 minutes to complete online, and most applicants receive approval within minutes, though it can take up to 72 hours in rare cases. There is no requirement for an in-person interview or physical documentation submission.
On the other hand, applying for a visa involves a more complex and time-consuming process. Applicants must complete the DS-160 form, schedule an appointment at a US embassy or consulate, attend an in-person interview, and provide supporting documents, such as financial proof, travel itineraries, and employment details. Visa processing times vary and can take weeks or even months, depending on the embassy’s workload and the type of visa.
An ESTA allows visitors to stay in the US for up to 90 days per visit. The authorization itself is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and you can use it for multiple entries during this period.
In contrast, visas such as the B1/B2 visa often allow for longer stays, typically up to six months per visit. Additionally, visas have longer validity periods, often ranging from five to ten years, depending on your nationality and the type of visa.
The ESTA is ideal for short trips for tourism, business meetings or transit. However, it does not permit activities such as employment, studying, or staying for extended periods. If your trip involves attending a university, working in the US, or relocating, you will need to apply for a visa tailored to that purpose, such as an F-1 student visa or an H-1B work visa.
The ESTA application fee is a flat $21, making it the most affordable option for eligible travelers. Traditional visas, on the other hand, have significantly higher application fees, typically starting at $160 USD for non-immigrant visas like the B1/B2.
Travelers must obtain ESTA approval before boarding a flight or ship to the US. It’s important to apply well in advance since processing can take up to 72 hours. If your ESTA application is denied, you will need to apply for a traditional visa.
You are a national of a participating VWP country (such as the UK). If you are not a VWP national, you are not eligible for visa-free travel under the VWP, and you will not be required to apply for ESTA approval.
Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, the VWP cannot be used by Visa Waiver country nationals who have been present in Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1 2011, although some exceptions can be made for diplomatic or military-related travel in the service of a Visa Waiver Country. Visa Waiver country nationals who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria cannot enter the USA under the VWP.
You cannot use ESTA to study, work or live in the US. To stay in the US for longer than 90 days or to travel to the US for a reason that is not permissible under the visa-waiver rules, you would need to apply for an appropriate visa. Your visit to the USA must last no longer than 90 days, and it must be for the purposes of tourism, medical treatment or business only.
If your intention is to travel to the USA for a non-permissible activity, such as to take up employment or commence studies, you are not eligible for VWP entry and must obtain a relevant visa. Similarly, travel to the USA to work as a member of the foreign press is not covered by the VWP.
Do you have a communicable disease? In the USA, commonly acknowledged communicable diseases include chancroid, gonorrhoea, granuloma inguinale, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, leprosy, lymphogranuloma venereum, syphilis, and tuberculosis. If you have been cured or are no longer in the infectious stage, you may answer the question ‘no’, but you are required to provide medical proof that you are not contagious. With lesser common illnesses such as a cold, you can answer ‘no’ to this question.
Do you have a physical or mental disorder? Answer ‘yes’ if you currently have a physical or mental disorder and a related history of behaviour that could cause harm to your property, your safety, or the safety and welfare of others. You should also answer ‘yes’ if you had such a disorder and history, and the likelihood is that the behaviour will recur and cause harm.
You will be asked if you are seeking to work in the USA or have previously worked in the USA without permission from the US government. The Visa Waiver Program is designed for non-immigrant foreign nationals who cannot seek permanent employment in the USA. Those who wish to work and live permanently in the USA must apply for the relevant immigrant visa.
Finally, you will be asked whether you have traveled to or been present in Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia or Yemen on or after March 1 201These countries are seen to carry a security risk by the US authorities. You will also be asked if you have traveled to or stayed in Cuba since January 12, 202You must also declare if you hold dual citizenship with any of these aforementioned countries.
It perhaps goes without saying that full disclosure is required when answering the questions, including in relation to criminal convictions. Be completely open and honest when completing your application to avoid any future allegations of misrepresentation or fraud. You are committing a criminal offense under US law if you fail to answer truthfully and comprehensively, which will impact your future US immigration applications.
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.
ESTA ApplicationBefore 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.